A major fire disaster was narrowly averted in Jos, the Plateau State capital, following a multiple-vehicle road traffic crash involving a fuel-laden tanker and five other vehicles near St. Louis College, close to the Polo Field Club roundabout.

The crash, which occurred at about 6:49 p.m. on Saturday, was promptly reported to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), whose officers immediately mobilised for rescue and emergency response.

According to the FRSC, 18 persons were involved in the crash. Two adult males died on the spot, while 16 others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to the Plateau State Specialist Hospital and Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BUTH) for treatment. The remains of the deceased were deposited at BUTH.

Eyewitnesses said the tanker lost its brakes shortly after the Plateau State Specialist Hospital roundabout and descended uncontrollably until it crashed into other vehicles and came to a halt.

Confirming the incident, the Plateau State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Olajide Mogaji, said swift inter-agency collaboration helped avert a major disaster.

“In order to avert a conflagration, sister agencies immediately mobilised, cordoned off the area, and diverted traffic to ensure the safety of road users. This also helped to prevent any attempt by economic saboteurs to loot,” Mogaji said.

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He added that there was no spillage of the petroleum product being conveyed by the tanker, which significantly reduced the risk of a fire outbreak.

“Thankfully, there was no spillage of the tanker’s content, and this greatly reduced the risk of fire,” he stated.

Agencies involved in the emergency operation included the FRSC, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Operation Rainbow, Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Nigerian Army, Federal Fire Service, Vehicle Inspection Officers, and the Nigerian Red Cross Society.

Mogaji said the petroleum product was safely transloaded, all vehicles involved in the crash were removed, and obstructions along the road were cleared, restoring free flow of traffic by the early hours of Sunday.

He commended all stakeholders for their cooperation, noting that “the success of the operation was made possible by the existing strategic synergy, partnership and collaboration among stakeholders, as well as the cooperation of the host community.”

The sector commander urged motorists to be safety-conscious, especially during the festive period and beyond.

“Road safety is everybody’s business. I urge all road users to avoid distractions, take responsibility for their actions and inactions on the road, and be defensive drivers into the new year,” he said.

He also advised members of the public to promptly report road crashes and emergencies by calling the FRSC toll-free emergency number 122.