Barely six (6) months after the fire service department of Okomu Oil Palm PLC averted what could have been a major fire disaster in Owan Community, Ovia North East LGA, the company has once again come to the rescue of another community by averting a possible gas explosion in Uhiere Community along the Benin-Akure expressway in Ovia North East LGA.
The incident happened when the driver of a tanker carrying liquified natural gas (LNG) lost control of his truck and in the process fell along the ever-busy Benin Akure express road.
According to eyewitnesses, the tanker loaded with the LNG was heading towards Akure from Benin axis when it apparently entered into one of the failed portions of the road which resulted in the tanker driver allegedly losing control and falling.
A distress call was made to Okomu fire service at the company’s Extension 2 plantation, who responded promptly before the tanker could burst into flames.
Eyewitnesses appreciated the management of Okomu Oil Palm Company PLC for their quick response in averting what could have been a major disaster for motorists plying that route as well as communities in the area who confirmed that no life was lost in the incident apart from the driver of the tanker who obtained a minor injury.
In a phone interview, the communication officer, Okomu Oil Palm Company PLC, Mr. Fidelis Olise, said the distress call came from a member of Uhiere community asking for the assistance of the company and immediately the management dispatched its fire truck and personnel to the scene in an act of good neighbourliness.
The communication officer added that the swift response of the company’s fire team is in line with its commitment to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders to secure the lives and properties of people, especially those within the catchment areas where it operates.
