A fuel tanker burst into flames on Friday while discharging diesel at Rain Oil Filling Station in the Tumfure region of Gombe, Gombe State.
On Friday, the fire was brought under control by the Federal Fire Service’s Gombe State Command.
According to the agency, the crisis was brought under control after firemen responded quickly to a distress call, averting a huge calamity from occurring.
Speaking about the event, the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Fire Service, Gombe State Command, ASF MB Muazu, stated that the firefighters’ professionalism and prompt response meant that the tanker was not entirely engulfed by fire.
“Upon receiving the distress call, our officers were immediately mobilized to the scene. Through timely and professional intervention, the fire was successfully contained, averting a potentially catastrophic situation,” Muazu stated.
He explained that the incident’s location constituted a major risk because it was close to other filling stations, commercial centers, and the NNPC Depot in Tumfure.
“The affected area is a highly sensitive commercial environment. Our swift response prevented a possible chain reaction that could have affected nearby facilities and properties estimated at over ₦500 million,” he said.
Muazu stated that no lives were lost in the incident, calling the outcome as evidence of the Service’s readiness and commitment to public safety.
He emphasized the Federal Fire Service’s commitment to protecting lives and property while cautioning petroleum facility owners to closely adhere to safety standards, particularly when discharging petroleum products.
“We urge operators of filling stations and petroleum facilities to always adhere strictly to safety standards to prevent avoidable incidents of this nature,” according to him.
The FFS spokesperson also thanked the Nigeria Police Force, Tumfure Division, and the Department of State Services (DSS) for their assistance on the scene.
“The cooperation and security cover provided by officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the DSS greatly assisted our personnel in effectively carrying out their duties,” Muazu said.
Residents of the region have since resumed normal activities, with the situation totally under control.
Remember that on Christmas Day, two persons were killed when a fully laden 33,000-liter petrol truck burst on the Badagry Expressway in Lagos.
