***Calls for Caution Among Truck Drivers
Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe has praised the prompt response of the Federal Fire Service and the FCT Fire Service in swiftly containing the fuel tanker explosion that occurred Tuesday night at a busy roundabout near the Farmers Market in Maitama.
The senator lauded the fire services for their timely intervention, which prevented the inferno from escalating to nearby buildings and potentially saving many lives.
The incident involved a tanker carrying approximately 50,000 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The vehicle lost control while trying to maneuver around a parked Toyota Sienna, causing a spark that ignited the tanker’s fuel, leading to an explosion. While several vehicles were damaged, fortunately, no lives were lost.
Speaking on behalf of Senator Kingibe during an inspection of the scene, Senior Legislative Aide, Engineer Chris Omofoma, expressed relief that there were no casualties.
He pointed out the need for a thorough investigation to determine whether the driver’s actions, including potential speeding, contributed to the accident.
Omofoma also questioned why the Sienna was improperly parked at such a critical location, which may have exacerbated the situation.
“This unfortunate incident highlights the importance of adhering to traffic regulations and practicing defensive driving in busy areas like the FCT,” Omofuma said. “We urge all drivers to be vigilant on the road, as lives depend on it.”
CSA Poncho from the Federal Fire Service, who was part of the emergency response team, explained that the tanker overturned while attempting to navigate the roundabout and collided with the parked Sienna. He praised the coordinated efforts of the Federal and FCT Fire Services, which managed to control the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby properties.
Poncho further revealed that while one compartment of the tanker was destroyed, firefighters were able to salvage the remaining fuel by transferring it to another tanker. “Only one compartment of the tanker was affected, and we were able to save the rest of the PMS. The situation is now under control, and the area has been cleared,” Poncho added.
Senator Kingibe, through her aide, urged truck drivers to prioritize safety and exercise extreme caution while driving in city centers, where traffic density is higher.
“Truck drivers must be cautious and consider the safety of all road users. These accidents can be avoided if proper care is taken. Safety should always be their top priority,” she stressed.
The incident has sparked discussions on the need for stricter traffic management and enforcement of safety regulations in the FCT to prevent future occurrences.