A devastating fire on Monday evening engulfed a newly constructed petroleum station in Ibadan, Oyo State, leaving the community in shock. The station, owned by BOVAS, was reportedly consumed by flames during the unloading of petrol from a tanker.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the fire broke out suddenly, sending plumes of thick black smoke into the sky. Panic ensued as staff and residents scrambled for safety while efforts were made to contain the blaze.
The Oyo State Fire Service responded swiftly to the distress call, deploying firefighters to the scene to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures. Despite their efforts, the damage to the station was extensive.
The General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Service, Mr. Yemi Akinyinka, confirmed the incident but refrained from providing further details about the cause or extent of the damage. Authorities are expected to launch an investigation into the incident to determine what went wrong during the fuel unloading process.
This tragic event has reignited concerns about safety protocols in petroleum stations, especially during the handling of highly flammable materials. As Ibadan residents come to terms with the aftermath of the fire, many are urging stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent future occurrences.