The Oyo State Fire Services Agency has rescued two male occupants who were trapped inside a petrol tanker following a road accident at Guru Maraji in Ibadan, the state capital.
The incident, which occurred on Monday morning, prompted a swift emergency response after a distress call was received by the fire service at about 8:38 a.m.
Firefighters were immediately mobilised to the scene to prevent the accident from developing into a more serious emergency, particularly given the highly flammable nature of the tanker’s cargo.
Upon arrival, the rescue team commenced operations to free the two occupants who were trapped in the vehicle following the crash. Their successful rescue underscored the importance of rapid emergency response in accidents involving fuel tankers.
Petrol tanker accidents are considered particularly dangerous because spilled Premium Motor Spirit can ignite easily and cause widespread fires, explosions and damage to nearby vehicles, buildings and other infrastructure.
The Oyo State Fire Services Agency has in recent months responded to several tanker-related emergencies across the state, including incidents involving overturned and fire-engulfed tankers. In one June 2026 incident in Ogbomoso, firefighters prevented a potential disaster after a tanker carrying about 66,000 litres of petrol somersaulted and spilled its contents.
In that incident, firefighters deployed chemical foam to suppress the spilled fuel and prevent ignition while the affected area was secured.
The agency has consistently stressed the need for motorists, particularly operators of heavy-duty vehicles and tankers, to exercise caution and ensure that their vehicles are properly maintained.
The Special Adviser on Fire Services Reform and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Dr. Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, has also urged motorists to carry out regular maintenance checks and comply with road safety regulations to reduce the risk of avoidable accidents.
The latest rescue operation at Guru Maraji further highlights the critical role of emergency responders in protecting lives and preventing secondary disasters following road crashes.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident and determine the factors that led to the tanker crash.
The incident also serves as another reminder of the risks associated with the transportation of petroleum products on Nigeria’s roads. Poor road conditions, mechanical failures, speeding and other unsafe practices have contributed to several tanker accidents across the country.
Earlier in 2026, the Oyo Fire Services Agency also responded to a tanker fire along the Iseyin-Ibadan Road, where firefighters successfully contained the blaze and prevented the tanker from exploding. No casualties were recorded in that incident.
With tanker accidents capable of causing significant loss of life and property, emergency officials continue to encourage members of the public to keep a safe distance from overturned or damaged fuel tankers and immediately alert the relevant emergency agencies.
The successful rescue of the two occupants at Guru Maraji has therefore been described as a timely intervention that prevented a potentially more serious outcome.
The fire service reiterated its commitment to responding promptly to emergencies and protecting lives and property across Oyo State.