How Fire Service averted fresh fuel tanker disaster in Abuja

If not for the presence of the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Engr. Jaji O. Abduganiyu Thursday, there could have been another disaster along Keffi road.

However, the FFS prompt intervention played a critical role in averting another potential tragedy at the scene of the Wednesday devastating accident that claimed 10 lives and left multiple vehicles engulfed in flames.

It was gathered that Jaji ‘s swift intervention prevented a major disaster that could have escalated the already tragic situation.

Eye witness said just as the CG and his team arrived at the site of the Karu bridge horrific gas explosion to survey the wreckage, he encountered another emergency—another trailer, carrying fertilizer, had lost its brakes and overturned, blocking the already congested highway.

The Fire Service boss who confirmed that two people lost their lives in fresh truck accident at Karu Bridge on the Abuja-Keffi Expressway—the same location where Wednesday’s deadly explosion occurred.

He said: “While responding to the latest incident, the my team and I noticed a severe risk lurking nearby. A fuel tanker, caught in the chaos of the previous accidents, had begun spilling its dangerous contents onto the hot asphalt under the scorching sun.

“The potential for an explosion was high, especially with the other vehicles in the vicinity, which could ignite the volatile fuel.

“Recognising the danger, I immediately alerted the nearest fire station for backup and directed my team to act quickly. They swiftly deployed foam compound over the fuel spill, effectively containing the threat and preventing a catastrophic blaze.

“This quick and decisive action by my dogged firefighters undoubtedly saved lives and kept the situation from spiraling into an even greater disaster.

The Controller General expressed his deepest condolences to the victims and their families and called for heightened caution on the highways, particularly in such high-risk zones.

“We must remain vigilant and prepared to respond rapidly to prevent further loss of life,” he said, underscoring the importance of proactive safety measures in the wake of such tragedies.

“Thanks to the expertise and professionalism of the Federal Fire Service, a second disaster was averted, and safety was restored to the accident site, bringing some relief to the harrowing situation.

“The Federal Fire Service remains committed to responding swiftly to any emergencies, ensuring that such devastating events do not lead to even worse consequences.

He added that:” so far, we gathered that over 30 victims sustained varying degrees of burns, with some transferred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Keffi, and Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja for intensive care.”