Fuel Tanker Fire Triggers Panic During Offloading at Filling Station in Imo State!

Fuel Tanker Fire Triggers Panic During Offloading at Filling Station in Imo State!

Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi (Journalist)| Sele Media Africa

Panic gripped residents and commuters on Sunday after a fuel tanker caught fire while offloading petroleum products at a filling station along the Owerri–Umuahia Road in Mbaise, Imo State.

Eyewitness accounts indicate the incident sent workers, motorists, and nearby residents fleeing for safety as thick plumes of smoke rose from the scene. The precise cause of the fire had not been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.

Emergency Response Mobilised
Local sources said emergency responders and security operatives were alerted promptly and moved to the scene to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to surrounding structures and vehicles. There were no immediate confirmed reports of casualties or the full extent of material damage.

Fuel tanker fires during discharge operations remain particularly hazardous due to the highly flammable nature of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Safety specialists have consistently warned that improper grounding, equipment faults, heat exposure, or procedural lapses during offloading can trigger ignition.

Recurring Safety Concerns Nationwide
Incidents involving tanker fires at filling stations have continued to raise public safety concerns across Nigeria. In June 2025, TheCable reported a similar case in Lagos where a tanker caught fire during offloading, prompting emergency intervention, though no fatalities were recorded.

Comparable incidents previously reported by Channels Television and The Guardian Nigeria highlight the potentially devastating consequences of tanker-related fires when response times are delayed or safety protocols are breached.

Awaiting Official Clarification
As of press time, authorities in Imo State had yet to issue a detailed statement confirming the cause of the fire or whether any injuries were sustained.

Sele Media Africa will continue to monitor the situation and provide verified updates as more confirmed information emerges.

Sources: TheCable; Channels Television; The Guardian Nigeria

About The Author

Mustapha Labake Omowumi

author

Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.

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