There was high tension in Ikotun, Lagos State, on Monday as Petroleum Motor Spirit, also known as petrol, spilt from an NNPC station into the road’s drainage, disrupting the flow of traffic on Liasu Road, News About Nigeria reports.
This development was disclosed to newsmen by residents of the area.
Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of Lagos Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS), Mr. Shakiru Amodu, stated that the spillage occurred as a result of a damaged valve on a 45, 000-capacity tanker conveying petrol to service the underground tank of the NNPC filling station.
He noted that after the damage, petrol began to gush out uncontrollably, but added that the situation had been brought under control.
He stated that the Fire and Rescue Service had salvaged the situation by using chemicals to douse the potency of the fuel to avert danger.
Speaking also, a resident, identified as Mrs. Folasade Adeyemi, stated that the cause of the accident was not immediately ascertained; however, residents abandoned their houses for safety.
She noted that the entire Liasu Road has been cordoned off from the Ilewe Bus Stop to prevent vehicles from getting close to the scene of the incident and causing an explosion.
Another resident, identified as Mr. Moses Oluwagbemileke, who lives on Liasu Road, recounted how he saw people running from the NNPC petrol station, where the spillage occurred, on his way back from work.
“Thank God that the situation is under control, Petrol was spilling from the NNPC station, and I can’t say if it was from the tanker parked beside the station or directly from the station’s underground tanks.
“This would have been a major disaster if it happened at midnight; the fire service responded on time, and I am back home with my family,” he said.
