By peace Udugba
A major catastrophe was averted Thursday morning when a fully loaded tanker carrying about 32,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) reportedly toppled at the entrance gate of Winners Chapel along Ota-Idiroko Road in Ogun State.
Swift intervention by a combined team of emergency responders — including the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Nigeria Police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and Ogun State Fire Service — successfully contained the situation.
The incident occurred at approximately 8: 30a.m. and could have escalated into a major disaster given the highly flammable content of the vehicle.
TRACE Ogun-West Zonal Commander, Adekunle Ajibade, speaking on behalf of the TRACE Corps Commander, CDR Omonayajo Elias, confirmed the incident. He praised the prompt and coordinated efforts of all agencies involved, noting that no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded.
We thank God and commend our men, led by TRACE Ota Divisional Commander, Salau Hammed, alongside the police, FRSC, and Fire Service, for their swift action. Their prompt response prevented what could have been a catastrophic incident,” He said.
He urged tanker drivers to slow down, especially during the Ember Months, and emphasized the importance of proper vehicle maintenance, citing the increasing frequency of similar crashes across the state.
Ajibade also advised truck owners and unions to invest in regular training and sensitization programs for drivers, referencing recent incidents in Shagamu, Atan, Abeokuta, and Ijebu-Ode.
Traffic flow has now been fully restored, and the rescue team has successfully removed the fallen tanker from the scene.
