Kogi fuel tanker accident averted after FRSC and security forces prevented locals from scooping fuel, avoiding a potential tragedy
Kogi fuel tanker accident was successfully averted on Friday evening after a quick response from security operatives prevented what could have been another tragic fire outbreak in the state.
Also read: ‘Tragic’ Fire erupts in petrol tanker, trailer accident on Otedola Bridge (Photos)
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander in Kogi, Mr Tenimu Etuku, confirmed that the incident occurred around 5 p.m. at the Crusher area along the Felele Expressway in Lokoja.
According to Etuku, the tanker—laden with fuel and heading to Abuja—became detached from its head and rolled into a ditch. Fortunately, no lives were lost, and both the driver and his assistant escaped unharmed.
He explained that FRSC officers, supported by the police, the National Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Mobile Police units, promptly secured the area to prevent members of the public from accessing the tanker.
“The reason is to ensure that the community members do not gain access to the tanker and attempt to scoop fuel, which could cause a fire outbreak. We don’t want a repeat of what happened in Niger and Jigawa states,” Etuku said.
He revealed that a few residents initially tried to scoop the fuel but were dispersed by the security team. The crash site was subsequently cordoned off, with Crusher community leaders assisting to maintain order.
Etuku urged residents to resist the temptation of scooping fuel, warning that such reckless actions could lead to catastrophic loss of lives.
The timely response comes just days after a similar incident in Niger State claimed 45 lives and left 62 others severely injured when a tanker exploded while locals attempted to collect spilled fuel.
Officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) attributed that tragedy to the poor state of the road and dangerous fuel scooping practices.
Also read: Niger tanker explosion kills 39, injures 60 others
The Kogi operation, in contrast, has been hailed as a decisive intervention that prevented another national tragedy, underscoring the importance of swift inter-agency coordination and community cooperation in disaster prevention.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
