The Ogun Government has described explosion of a diesel tanker at Alake Sports Complex, Abeokuta, one of the venues being used for the ongoing National Sports Festival (NSF) as very unfortunate.
However, the state government in a statement by Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, issued in Abeokuta on Tuesday assured athletes participating in the sports festival of their safety.
“To this end, we want to assure all our athletes and the people of the state of safety and that there is no cause for alarm as the situation is under absolute control,” Akinmade said while assuring that the incident had been perfectly handled.
“The fire was immediately put out to prevent any damage, as the complex involved is one of the venues for the sports festival,” Akinmade said.
He commended the promptness and proactiveness of the state fire service and the vigilance of officials at the complex.
“The fire incident that involved a diesel tanker close to one of our facilities for the National Sports Festival this afternoon was very unfortunate.
“We thank God that the fire was immediately put out to avert casualties.
It was learnt that some containerized shops were destroyed following the explosion involving the diesel-laden tanker that occurred just behind the fence separating the Sports Complex from the Ijeja community, triggering panic among nearby residents.
A representative of Ogun Fire Service, Mr Abiodun Owolabi, said the blast was caused by a sudden ignition during discharge.
“The tanker, registration number LND 898 YJ, caught fire while discharging diesel into a storage facility within the Sports Complex,” Owolabi stated.
He added that, “The diesel was being pumped using a petrol-powered machine, which likely caused the ignition.”
The tanker driver sustained injuries and is receiving treatment. No fatalities were recorded, though some shops were affected by the fire.
“We responded immediately and were able to prevent further damage or casualties,” Owolabi said.
(NAN)
