Firefighters Avert Disaster As Diesel Tanker Catches Fire At Gombe Filling Station

A tanker on Friday caught fire while offloading diesel at Rain Oil Filling Station in the Tumfure area of Gombe State.

This prompted an emergency response by the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Gombe State Command.

The FFS deployed firefighters to extinguish the fire after a distress call from residents.

Speaking on the incident, the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASF MB Muazu, said the swift response ensured that the tanker was not completely engulfed by the fire.

“Upon receiving the distress call, our officers were immediately mobilised to the scene. Through timely and professional intervention, the fire was successfully contained, averting a potentially catastrophic situation,” Muazu stated.

He explained that the location of the incident posed serious risks due to its proximity to other filling stations, commercial centres and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (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 confirmed that no life was lost in the incident, and described the outcome as a testament to the Service’s preparedness and commitment to public safety.

He reiterated the Federal Fire Service’s commitment to the protection of lives and property, while cautioning operators of filling stations and petroleum facilities to strictly observe safety regulations, particularly during the discharge of 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,” he added.

The FFS spokesperson also commended the Nigeria Police Force, Tumfure Division, and the Department of State Services (DSS) for providing security support at 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 area have since resumed normal activities as the situation was fully brought under control.

The incident comes amid concerns over tanker-related accidents across the country.

Recall, on Christmas Day, December 25, two persons lost their lives after a fully loaded 33,000-litre petrol tanker exploded along the Badagry Expressway in Lagos.

The explosion occurred at about 4 a.m. near the Oto-Ijanikin axis, close to the Lagos State University of Education.