The Federal Fire Service (FFS) says its personnel averted what would have been a second tanker explosion on the Abuja-Keffi expressway in less than 48 hours.
On Wednesday evening, an explosion triggered by a trailer that lost control on the Abuja-Keffi expressway left 10 persons dead and 28 others seriously injured.
Many vehicles were also burnt during the inferno, which occurred at about 7:30 pm as workers were returning home.
In a statement on Thursday, Jaji Abdulganiyu, the controller general of the fire service, said his team discovered another accident while inspecting the scene of Wednesday’s incident.
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Abdulganiyu said the vehicle—another trailer—loaded with bags of fertilizer lost control, overturned, and blocked the highway.
“Sadly, two lives were lost on the spot, and several vehicles sustained damage,” the statement said.
“As the team alerted the nearest fire station for immediate response, another looming danger was identified—a fuel-laden tanker had begun spilling its contents amid other vehicles under the scorching sun.”
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Abdulganiyu said the potential for an explosion was high, especially as the petrol spilt on the hot asphalt with other vehicles in the vicinity.
“Acting swiftly, Federal Fire Service personnel applied foam compound to contain the spill and prevent a potential disaster,” the statement added.
The controller general consoled with families of the victims and urged heightened caution on the highways.
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