A major catastrophe was narrowly avoided in Kaduna State after a fully loaded petrol tanker crashed at Romi New Extension near Command Junction, spilling its highly flammable cargo. Thanks to the swift intervention of emergency responders, what could have been a devastating inferno was successfully contained.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in a statement released on Sunday, confirmed that its Northwest Zonal Office received an urgent report of the accident, which occurred around 11:46 AM on Saturday. The crash led to a massive petrol spill, creating an immediate threat to lives, property, and the environment.
Upon receiving the distress report, NEMA swiftly activated its Emergency Response Team and mobilized key stakeholders to prevent an outbreak of fire and mitigate potential hazards. The multi-agency response team included:
Crowd and Traffic Control: The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kaduna State Traffic and Environmental Law Enforcement Agency (KASTLEA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Joint Task Force (JTF) swiftly took charge, ensuring order and preventing secondary accidents.
Fire Suppression and Safety Measures: Firefighters from the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) and NEMA’s Fire Truck Unit worked tirelessly to cool the area and prevent ignition as fuel transfer operations commenced.
Medical and Humanitarian Support: The Nigerian Red Cross Society and the National Blood Transfusion Service were on standby, ready to provide emergency medical assistance in case of injuries.
Public Awareness and Information Management: Media partners and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) played a crucial role in disseminating accurate information to prevent panic and misinformation.
By 4:57 PM, emergency teams had successfully transferred the petrol to another tanker, averting what could have been a large-scale disaster. There were no reported casualties, thanks to the efficient coordination, timely response, and strict safety measures implemented throughout the operation.
NEMA praised all agencies involved for their professionalism and swift intervention, emphasizing that the incident underscores the importance of inter-agency collaboration and proactive emergency preparedness.
“This successful operation highlights the critical role of teamwork, timely information dissemination, and continuous safety awareness in managing tanker accidents,” NEMA stated.
The event serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present dangers associated with fuel transportation and the need for rigorous safety protocols to prevent future occurrences.
PIONEER NEWS 