The Delta State Fire Service has prevented a potential petrol tanker explosion and responded to several fire outbreaks across the state within the past week, limiting damage to lives and property.
A major incident was recorded along the Asaba–Benin Expressway on Monday, where a petrol tanker collided with a low-bed trailer at the Customs checkpoint in Okpanam, spilling its contents onto the road.
The State Director of the Fire Service, Dr Eugene Oziwelle, said firefighters responded swiftly by dousing the tanker and spilled fuel with water to prevent ignition. The team also secured the area to stop residents from scooping fuel, a practice that often leads to deadly explosions.
In a separate incident, the Sapele Fire Station contained a fire outbreak at the Asaboro Sawmill Junction wood market, where goods worth millions of naira were destroyed. The fire, which reportedly started around 2 a.m. on Saturday due to an electrical spark, was brought under control within 30 minutes of the emergency call.
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Firefighters in Sapele also prevented a larger disaster at Wetland Hotel in Amukpe, where a fire from a detached event centre threatened to spread into the main hotel building. Although property in the hall was damaged, the prompt response stopped further escalation.
Similarly, the fire service in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area, extinguished a fire that engulfed a detached kitchen in a residential compound on Ogboni Street.
Dr Oziwelle urged residents to remain vigilant, stressing the importance of switching off electrical appliances when not in use and keeping flammable materials away from homes.
He also commended fire service personnel for their rapid response and professionalism in handling emergencies across the state.
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