Lagos State Fire Service recorded 115 petrol tanker accidents last year, former Chief Fire Officer Nwanovim George said yesterday.
George spoke at the ongoing national training for tanker drivers organised by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natinal Gas Workers (NUPENG).
George, who is currently Personal Assistant to the Director, Lagos State Fire Service on Training Matters, said there were six of such accidents this month alone.
He urged tanker drivers to be careful on the highway, stressing that their carelessness was the main cause of most of the accidents.
He also urged tanker drivers to always carry their 2x9k Dry Chemical Powder (DCP) fire extinguisher and ensure that it is serviced and accessible in emergencies.
George said: “We recorded 115 tanker accidents in Lagos alone in 2016 while we have six tanker accidents this January alone.
“This morning alone, we have recorded two tanker accidents; one in Magodo and another one in Gbagada which makes it six of such accidents this month alone.
“We are using this forum to advise our drivers to be careful on the road and to always make use their fire extinguishers anytime there is fire,” he said.
Health facilitator from the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Dr Taiwo Adekanmbi, advised tanker drivers to always go for routine medical check-up.
According to Adekanmbi, medical check-up will enable the drivers know their health status before embarking on any journey.
He said some of the accidents were caused by poor vision and fatigue.
South-West Chairman NUPENG, Tokunbo Korodo urged the tanker drivers to be law abiding, saying they should not argue with government officials on the highways.
PTD National Chairman Alhaji Salimon Oladiti described the training of his members as a “critical aspect’’ of the union’s goals.
In its efforts to reduce road accidents, PTD branch of NUPENG began training for no fewer than 4,500 of its members on January 17.
115 fuel tanker accidents in Lagos last year
