On Sunday night, a heavy-duty tanker vehicle carrying petrol burst in a fuel station while its contents were being unloaded, raising concerns about serious casualties.
According to reports, the petrol station, which is a few meters from the Nigeria Police, Kontagora’s “B” Division in the Kontagora Local Government Area, belongs to a major marketer.
Eyewitnesses reported the explosion occurred when Premium Motor Spirit, widely known as fuel, was being offloaded from the tanker. The explosion was claimed to have generated a huge inferno.
Fears of a potential disaster escalation were raised when it was discovered that other fuel storage tanks at the station were still holding fuel while the fuel was being offloaded.
Speaking on Monday, Kuma Tsukwam, the Federal Road Safety Corps’ Niger State Sector Commander, noted that his troops had successfully stopped the explosion and avoided any human casualties.
“Yes, our people were able to nip it in the bud. It happened in the petrol station. They cordoned off the area, so there was no casualty.
“There was no casualty, but it burst into flames. I think this was their lack of safety measures and safety valves, but we were able to be cordoned off the area. It was inside the petrol station, and they drove all passersby and vehicles from entering the station. Yes, it happened.
“Our major concern was that there was no casualty. They must maintain their safety precautions; it is inevitable,” he stated.
