The timely intervention of Kogi State Fire Service forestalled a potential fire disaster in Lokoja on Thursday after a petrol laden tanker bursts in flames.
No life was lost as men of the state fire service rushed to then scene within minutes and put the fire out.
Residents, business owners and pedestrians fled when a tanker discharging fuel suddenly went on fire at the Biodun and Associates filling station located at Lokongoma Phase 1 area of Lokoja.
It took the bravery of the tanker driver, Dahiru Kabiru, who drove the fuel laden vehicle out of the filling station to avert devastation.
Officers of Kogi State Fire Service arrived at the scene at exactly 3:28pm and put off the fire in less than 20mins.
The acting Director of the Fire Service, Salawu Ozigi Umar said upon receiving the distress call, his men were immediately deployed to the save the situation.
According to him, Kogi State Fire Service is up to the task of responding to any fire disaster.
Kogi State Security Adviser, Navy Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd) who visited the scene said fire disaster is a natural occurrence, saying the Biodun and Associates had operated in the state for a long time without recording the occurrence.
He commended the driver for risking his life to drive the tanker out of the filling station as well as the officers of the state fire service for their quick response.
Commander Omodara said no life was lost in the disaster, while the fuel was intact as well as the tanker.
He commended the state government for providing fire fighting equipment which aborted what would have led to loss of lives and property.
