By Olukayode Idowu
What could have been another major fire disaster was averted on Thursday by officers of the Federal Fire Service.
Twenty-four hours earlier at the same spot at Karu Bridge on the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, a CNG tanker tumbled, causing a major conflagration that claimed 10 lives and destruction of vehicles and property put at several millions of Naira.
The latest incident which could have resulted in loss of the same magnitude was averted by the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Engr. Jaji Abduganiyu, Thursday as he swiftly led his team to fight off the danger.
It was gathered that just as the CG and his team were at the site of the Karu bridge horrific Wednesday’s gas explosion to survey the wreckage, he encountered another emergency—another trailer, carrying fertilizer lost its brakes and overturned, blocking the congested highway.
The Fire Service boss, who confirmed that two people lost their lives in the fresh truck accident at Karu Bridge on the Abuja-Keffi Expressway said: “While responding to the latest incident, 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 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.
He said: “We must remain vigilant and prepared to respond rapidly to prevent further loss of life,” while calling for proactive safety measures in the wake of such tragedies.
He said: “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.
On Wednesday’s incident, he said: “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.”
