Firefighters avert a tanker explosion in Port Harcourt after a petroleum tanker overturned on Elekahia Road, securing the area and dispersing fuel vapours

A coordinated response by the Rivers State Fire Service and the Federal Fire Service prevented a potential tanker explosion in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

The alert followed the overturning of a petroleum tanker near Nkpogu Roundabout along Elekahia Road, a busy route linking the Elekahia area to the industrial district of Trans-Amadi.

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The tanker fell on its side, spilling highly flammable fuel onto the roadway and raising immediate concerns over possible ignition.

Firefighters from both state and federal commands quickly arrived and initiated containment measures, dispersing fuel vapours and securing the tanker to reduce the risk of fire.

The incident occurred in the early morning, when schoolchildren and commuters were using the route.

Local residents and police personnel assisted by diverting traffic and ensuring that the spilled petroleum was not tampered with.

Port Harcourt has previously witnessed severe fires caused by tanker accidents, resulting in loss of lives and property.

In response, the Federal Government enhanced the state’s fire-fighting capacity last year, deploying additional trucks and equipment.

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Governor Siminalayi Fubara also recently undertook a comprehensive overhaul of the Rivers State Fire Service.The swift intervention averted what could have been a major disaster in one of the city’s busiest industrial corridors.