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According to a report in The Punch Newspaper by Janet Ogundepo, frequent fuel tanker accidents on Nigerian highways result in fuel spills that contaminate the environment through runoff into ditches, gutters, and drainages, leading to pollution and fire outbreaks. These incidents cause loss of life among individuals attempting to collect spilled fuel and result in property destruction.
The Technical Advisor of Safety Consultants & Solution Providers Limited, Mr. William Nwaogu, highlighted to The Punch Newspaper on October 22, 2023, the urgency to address fuel truck fire accidents and oil spills on Nigerian roads. He mentioned that within just three weeks, eleven tankers had overturned and spilled their contents. One such incident on October 1, 2023, resulted in an explosion causing five fatalities, as reported by The Punch Newspaper. This occurred when a fuel tanker lost control on the Oghara-Ologbo axis of the Benin road, leading to the destruction of numerous vehicles.
Nwaogu emphasized that to prevent accidents, truck drivers must comply with the technical requirements of operating a truck. He stressed the need for thorough checks of the fuel, exhaust, and electrical systems before and after every trip.
He further advised, “Maintaining proper vehicle speed is crucial to prevent accidents, particularly in the event of a tire burst that could cause loss of control and subsequent fire incidents. Daily checks on the vehicle’s loading capacity are essential to ensure it carries the designed load. Monitoring dashboard gauges for signs of overheating can prevent potential issues related to fuel and water levels.”
Additionally, Nwaogu urged drivers to avoid deep potholes and to exercise caution on slopes. He advocated for continuous training of truck drivers in firefighting and emergency response skills and recommended equipping trucks with fire retardants and personal protective equipment.
Moreover, Nwaogu called upon the Ministry of Transportation to conduct regular inspections for the roadworthiness of tankers and to implement routine audits, certifications, and recertifications by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority.
Acknowledgments were extended to The Punch Newspaper for spotlighting a case study approach to mitigate fire outbreaks and explosions involving fuel trucks through expert collaboration, emphasizing the adoption of technology to prevent tanker accidents.
Source: The Punch Newspaper – Experts advocate the adoption of technology to end tanker accidents. Visit here for more information about us. Our past project experience is also value proposition & project experience. Our telephone contacts are + 234 809 476 7724 / 803 726 7341 /704248 3618. We can also be reached via mail at info@scspng.com and our website here.
