By Parrot Newspaper Fuel Tanker Explosion Rocks A.A Rano Filling Station in Kontagora
By Ricky Awodi
Fire Erupts During Fuel Offloading at A.A Rano Filling Station
A fuel-laden tanker has gone up in flames at A.A Rano filling station, located at Hannun Riga, near General Hospital, Kontagora, the headquarters of Kontagora Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State. The incident, which occurred around 7 PM on Sunday, sent panic through the area as flames engulfed the station, threatening further escalation.
Proximity to Key Landmarks Raises Safety Concerns
The filling station is situated just a few meters from the ‘B’ Division of the Nigeria Police, Kontagora, and near the General Hospital, raising concerns over the potential spread of the fire to critical infrastructure.
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Eyewitness Account: How the Fire Started
According to eyewitnesses, the fire broke out while Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, was being offloaded from the tanker. The flames quickly spread, igniting fears of a larger explosion as the station’s fuel storage tanks still contained petrol.
“Fire Service personnel are currently doing their best to contain the fire, though the situation remains tense as the flames continue to spread,” said Abba Mohammed, a witness at the scene.
No Casualties Reported Amidst Panic and Evacuations
Although no casualties have been reported, residents, filling station workers, and passersby fled the scene to avoid potential harm. The swift response from emergency personnel helped prevent an immediate catastrophe.
Authorities Yet to Comment on the Incident
Efforts to reach the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullah Baba Arah, for an official response proved unsuccessful as his telephone line was unreachable at the time of reporting, according to Daily Trust
Rising Concerns Over Fuel Tanker Safety in Nigeria
This incident highlights the persistent risks associated with fuel transportation and storage in Nigeria. The frequency of tanker explosions, often caused by safety lapses during offloading, remains a critical concern for both regulatory agencies and the general public.
What Next? Investigations and Safety Measures Expected
Authorities are expected to launch an investigation into the cause of the fire and assess the extent of damage to the filling station and surrounding properties. Additionally, this incident calls for stricter enforcement of fuel handling regulations to prevent similar disasters in the future.
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