A potential disaster was narrowly avoided on Wednesday after firefighters in Oyo State swiftly responded to a petrol tanker incident that threatened lives and property in a densely populated community.

The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning along the Ibadan-Iseyin Road, when a tanker laden with petrol lost control and skidded off the road, spilling fuel dangerously close to residential buildings and market stalls.

Thanks to the rapid intervention of the Oyo State Fire Service, what could have been a catastrophic explosion was safely contained. No lives were lost, and damage to property was minimal.

“We got the emergency call at 6:15 a.m. and deployed two trucks immediately,” said the State Fire Service’s spokesman, Adebayo Lawal. “Our team quickly foamed the area to suppress flammable vapors and ensured all ignition sources were neutralized.”

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Community Praises Heroic Effort

Residents of the affected area expressed relief and gratitude, with many praising the professionalism of the fire service.

“We were terrified. If not for the firefighters, this whole area could’ve gone up in flames,” said local shop owner Yetunde Akinola.

The tanker was eventually towed away after hours of careful drainage and containment.

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Government Urges Safer Transport of Hazardous Materials

In response to the incident, Oyo State authorities reiterated the need for stricter safety compliance among fuel transporters and called for better vehicle maintenance practices to avoid future accidents.

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The successful emergency response serves as a reminder of the critical role first responders play — and how quick action can prevent tragedy in even the most volatile situations.