A potentially catastrophic fire disaster was narrowly avoided in Port Harcourt after a swift and coordinated response by the Rivers State Fire Service and the Federal Fire Service contained a fallen petroleum tanker before it could ignite.
The emergency was triggered when a tanker transporting petroleum products overturned near Nkpogu Roundabout along Elekahia Road—one of the city’s busiest corridors linking the densely populated Elekahia axis to the industrial hub of Trans-Amadi.
The tanker toppled onto its side, spilling highly flammable fuel across the roadway and immediately raising fears of an explosion.
The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning as schoolchildren and workers were already moving through the area.
Within minutes of receiving the distress call, firefighters from both state and federal commands arrived at the scene and began urgent containment measures. Their rapid intervention helped disperse fuel vapours, prevent ignition, and secure the tanker, significantly reducing the risk of a fire outbreak.
Police officers and residents assisted by diverting traffic and securing the area to prevent bystanders from scooping the spilled fuel—a practice that has previously led to deadly explosions in similar incidents. An international oil company also stationed an ambulance at the scene as a precautionary measure in case of casualties.
Port Harcourt has witnessed devastating tanker-related fires in the past, often resulting in loss of lives and extensive property damage. The successful containment of this latest incident underscores recent efforts to strengthen emergency response capacity in the state.
Last year, the Federal Government boosted firefighting capabilities in Rivers State by deploying additional trucks and equipment. Similarly, Governor Siminalayi Fubara initiated a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s fire service system.
The reforms included the renovation and re-equipping of key fire stations, notably the headquarters near Isaac Boro Park, as well as outstations in Borokiri (Port Harcourt Local Government Area) and Rumuodomaya (Obio/Akpor Local Government Area).
Authorities have commended the professionalism and rapid coordination displayed by the emergency responders, noting that their timely action prevented what could have been a major tragedy in the Rivers State capital.
