A potential tragedy was narrowly avoided in Jos, Plateau State, on Thursday when a fuel tanker lost control and spilled over 15,000 litres of petrol along the bustling Bauchi Road axis.
The quick intervention of emergency agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps, helped avert a major disaster.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours, caused widespread panic as commuters and residents rushed to their destinations.
The tanker, reportedly headed to a filling station to offload its cargo, lost control and spilled its contents across the road.
Eyewitness Musa Abdullahi, who spoke to The PUNCH, described the scene, “The Bauchi Junction along Bauchi Road was temporarily closed after the tanker spilled fuel on the road. The quick response of the Fire Service, FRSC, NSCDC, police, and other security agents prevented further damage. Motorists were redirected to alternative routes to ensure safety while the tanker completed its offloading. Their efforts were commendable, as the situation was brought under control swiftly.”
The FRSC Public Education Officer in Plateau State, Peter Yakubu, confirmed the incident and praised the swift actions of emergency responders.
“Our men were alerted early this morning about a tanker that spilled fuel on Bauchi Road after the driver lost control. We immediately deployed our personnel to the area, alongside the Fire Service and other emergency responders. The affected road was barricaded to prevent any untoward incident, and the situation was managed effectively. Thankfully, no lives were lost, and apart from the spillage, there was no other damage. We thank God for averting a disaster,” Yakubu stated.
As of the time of this report, traffic had resumed on the previously closed section of Bauchi Road, with normal activities returning for residents and road users.
