A 38 year old tanker driver, Alagbe Hezekiah, has been praised for his courageous action after he reportedly drove a burning diesel tanker away from a filling station and populated area in Iwo, Osun State, preventing what could have resulted in significant loss of lives and property.
The incident occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Feesu Junction along the Iwo Ibadan Expressway, opposite Lado Filling Station in Iwo.
Hezekiah, an indigene of Ogbomoso, had reportedly gone to the filling station to supply diesel when fire suddenly broke out from the tanker after the discharge hose had been connected. The cause of the fire was not immediately known.
According to his account, he and his motor boy initially attempted to put out the fire using a fire extinguisher. However, the fire reportedly intensified and began spreading towards the filling station, nearby shops and residential buildings.
His apprentice reportedly fled the scene as the situation became increasingly dangerous.
Faced with the possibility of a major fire outbreak, Hezekiah decided to take control of the burning tanker rather than abandon it at the filling station.
He reportedly entered the vehicle and drove it away from the fuel pumps, surrounding businesses and residential areas, searching for a location where the risk to human lives would be reduced.
Recounting the incident, Hezekiah said he considered the potential consequences of allowing the burning tanker to remain at the filling station and decided to move it towards an uninhabited riverbank.
He acknowledged that the decision exposed him to serious danger, but said he was prepared to risk his life to prevent the fire from spreading to other people and properties.
After driving the burning tanker to the riverbank area, he reportedly detached the truck’s head from the burning tanker before moving away from the immediate danger zone.
The incident has drawn attention to the risks faced by tanker drivers and other workers handling petroleum products, particularly in densely populated areas.
Hezekiah’s actions also highlight the importance of emergency preparedness, functioning fire safety equipment and quick decision making during fuel related emergencies.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
