A fire erupted around 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the Nine Energies Fuel Station in Asero, Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, resulting in injuries to two individuals. An eyewitness, who chose to remain anonymous, reported that the fire broke out during the offloading of diesel from a tanker. While the source initially mentioned that the driver of the tanker and their assistant were feared dead, official reports later indicated that they had sustained injuries.
Upon visiting the scene, our correspondent observed a burnt tanker, personnel from the Ogun State Fire Service, police officers, and members of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.
According to the source, “The fire started around 10 a.m, and we just saw the thick smoke coming from the filling station. We later got to know that the fire started when a tanker that brought diesel was transferring it into another tanker. It was the tanker that was receiving the diesel that went up in flames while the one that brought the diesel hurriedly left the place to avoid being caught up. The two occupants of the tanker that was receiving the fuel were, however, badly burnt, and they were rushed to the hospital.”
The Director of the Ogun State Fire Service, Fatai Adefala, confirmed the incident and mentioned that those involved in the fire had suffered minor injuries and were taken to the hospital. He explained that the fire started when the tanker was about to dispense the diesel into an underground tank, with the ignition likely occurring due to the pumping machine.
The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola, also confirmed the incident but was unable to confirm whether there were any casualties.