Again: Fire engulfs fuel tanker and filling station in Jigawa

DDM News

A massive fire broke out on Thursday night at Shakatu Filling Station along Kiyawa Road in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State, after a fuel tanker caught fire while offloading fuel.

The incident, which occurred around 8:30 p.m., sparked widespread panic among residents and commuters, Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports.

“According to eyewitnesses, the fire started suddenly, consuming the tanker and quickly spreading to parts of the filling station.” DDM.

Security agencies, including the police, promptly set up roadblocks to control traffic and prevent onlookers from getting too close to the raging fire.

Firefighters and emergency response teams were deployed to contain the inferno and stop it from reaching nearby structures.

As of the time of this report, the fire had yet to be fully extinguished, and the extent of damage, as well as possible casualties, remained unknown.

This latest fire incident is a grim reminder of previous fuel-related tragedies in Jigawa State.

A few months ago, a similar disaster struck Majia town in Taura Local Government Area, where a fuel tanker explosion resulted in over 100 fatalities.

The recurring nature of such fires highlights the urgent need for stricter safety measures at fuel stations and during fuel transportation.

The spokesman for the Jigawa State Police Command, SP Lawan Shiisu Adam, confirmed the incident, urging residents to remain cautious and avoid the area while emergency responders work to contain the situation.

To prevent future occurrences, authorities and fuel station operators must enforce stringent fire safety protocols.

Proper handling of flammable substances, regular maintenance of equipment, and adequate training for fuel station staff can significantly reduce the risk of such disasters.

Additionally, ensuring that offloading areas are equipped with functional fire extinguishers and emergency response plans can make a crucial difference in minimizing damage and saving lives.

Communities must also be educated on fire hazards and the dangers of crowding accident scenes.

In many cases, curious onlookers have become victims due to explosions and toxic fumes.

Public awareness campaigns and stricter regulations can go a long way in ensuring safety for all.

With fire incidents linked to fuel tankers becoming increasingly frequent, urgent intervention is needed to prevent further loss of life and property.

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