The senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe has praised the timely response of firemen while urging truck drivers to exercise greater caution within city centers.
A fuel tanker accident in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday evening.
The explosion, which occurred at a busy roundabout close to the Farmers Market in Maitama involved a tanker carrying approximately 50,000 litters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) after it lost control and rammed into a Toyota Sienna which was wrongly packed by the intersection, Moments later, there was a spark, and the tanker exploded and destroyed vehicles but, fortunately, it claimed no lives.
Senior Legislative Aide (SLA) to Senator Ireti Kingibe, Engineer Chris Omofuma, addressed the press during an inspection of the accident scene.
According to Omofuma, the tanker driver lost control while navigating the intersection, causing the vehicle to overturn and spill its contents. “The product spilled all over the place, leading to a fire and explosion. We thank God there was no loss of life, which is the most important thing,” he stated.
Omofuma stressed that although properties were destroyed, including both the tanker and another vehicle involved, the lack of casualties was a relief.
He highlighted the need for authorities to investigate both the immediate and underlying causes of the accident.
“It’s crucial to determine if the driver was paying attention or if speeding was a factor, as well as why the other vehicle was parked at the intersection,” he added.
The accident has raised concerns about traffic safety in the FCT, especially regarding defensive driving practices and adherence to traffic regulations.
Omofuma advised drivers to always anticipate road hazards, adding, “You don’t claim rights on the road. Defensive driving is key, particularly in high-traffic areas.”
When asked about possible support for those affected, Omofuma mentioned that an evaluation would be conducted to assess the damage and determine necessary interventions.
“We are here to assess the situation, and once evaluated, the appropriate steps will be taken,” he said.
Representing Senator Ireti Kingibe, Omofuma assured the public that the Senator remains committed to the safety and welfare of the people of the FCT.
He reiterated that safety has been restored at the site, thanks to the quick response of emergency services.
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“The fire has been put out, and the area is now safe. We’re here to ensure that proper steps are taken to prevent such incidents in the future,” he concluded.
The incident has prompted calls for better traffic management and stricter enforcement of regulations in the nation’s capital.
The swift intervention by both the Federal Fire Service and the FCT Fire Service helped contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings and road users.
CSA Poncho from the Federal Fire Service provided an assessment of the incident, emphasizing the need for caution among truck drivers, especially within city centers.
According to CSA Poncho, the tanker driver was trying to maneuver around a vehicle parked by the roadside when the tanker overturned, crashing into a Sienna vehicle.
“There wasn’t enough space for the tanker to move, and in the process, it fell onto the parked Sienna. Before we knew it, there was a spark, followed by an explosion,” he explained.
The Federal Fire Service, in collaboration with the FCT Fire Service, responded promptly to contain the fire and prevent further damage. CSA Poncho commended the swift intervention that prevented the fire from spreading to nearby buildings and causing more damage.
“We worked together to ensure the fire did not escalate and affect other road users or nearby properties,” he said.
Poncho added that while one compartment of the tanker was destroyed in the explosion, the fire services were able to save a significant portion of the PMS by transferring it to another truck.
“Only one compartment was affected, and we managed to secure the other two. The remaining fuel has been safely transferred, and the street is now clear.”
In his advice to truck drivers, CSA Poncho stressed the importance of prioritizing safety and being mindful of other road users.