Fire razes tanker at filling station in Gombe

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

The Federal Fire Service, Gombe State Command, swiftly moved in and successfully contained the blaze.

The service said the situation was brought under control after firefighters were deployed immediately a distress call was received. Their timely intervention, it noted, stopped the incident from turning into a major disaster.

Reacting to the development, the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Fire Service in Gombe State, ASF MB Muazu, explained that the professionalism and quick action of the firefighters prevented the tanker from being completely consumed 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 a serious risk due to its proximity to other filling stations, commercial centres and the 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, describing 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 petroleum facilities to strictly observe safety regulations, especially 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 their 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 has been fully brought under control.

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

Very Nigerian gathered that the incident occurred at about 4 a.m. on Thursday near the Oto-Ijanikin axis, close to the Lagos State University of Education.

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