In Nigeria, one of the most prevalent and worrisome incidents is the ‘tanker explosion’. This year alone, tanker incidents have been reported in some parts of the country. Transportation of petroleum products from one destination to another is obviously quite inevitable in Nigeria, but it causes a lot of damage to the environment and also takes lives.
Tanker explosions in Nigeria have always seemed like something inevitable. But can we continue with the pretence? As Nigerians, we must acknowledge tanker accidents don’t just happen by chance, many factors contribute to these explosions.
Causes of Tanker Explosion
If you’ve ever wondered what are the causes of persistent incidences of tanker explosions, here are factors to consider:
1. Incompetent Drivers
Many people are practically incompetent to be a driver of heavy-duty, but there is no avenue to cross-check that. These tanker drivers don’t take cognizance of how long these vehicles are, including how bad the road has become. Some of these people drive just as though under the influence of drugs. In the history of tanker explosions in Nigeria, overspeeding and reckless driving are major factors that cause accidents.
2. Electricity Poles
Short electricity polls on the street, especially in the vicinity of petrol stations, cause tanker explosions. Having filling stations in residential areas; in between houses usually compound issues — making humans and properties vulnerable to fire incidents.
3. Parking on the Road
The absence of dedicated parking lots for trucks is a big issue. It is very common to find tankers parking on each side of the road, that is, ‘double parking’. This can hinder the flow of movement on the road. Just imagine how drivers of these trucks usually find it difficult to turn in this area, causing many of them to fall and spill content.
5. Road Durability
Road construction and its durability in Nigeria is very concerning because of its short duration. After some years, the condition of roads becomes worse. Bad roads can also affect the flow of movement as these tankers, while at high speed, try to manage potholes and ditches on the road simultaneously. Mostly, this results in accidents that sometimes claim lives.
5. Scooping of Fuel
Most of the cases recorded and aired on the media on issues surrounding tanker explosions are due to tankers falling off the road which eventually leads to spillage of its content. Scooping of fuel from fallen tankers is very dangerous but common among Nigerians. Many people have died as a result of this because most of these tankers usually catch fire in the process.
6. Overload
Some tankers are just too old to continue working efficiently. Loading too much fuel on tankers causes explosions because they don’t have the capacity to convey the content. This also leads to the oil tankers drawing back when moving on undulating roads.
7. Brake Failure
Brake failure is one of the major causes of tanker accidents. Improper management; not taking cognizance of every necessary bit of a vehicle leads to brake failure.
Solutions To Tanker Explosion
Now that you’re aware of different factors contributing to the recurring incident of tanker explosion, can we move to what I thought could be solutions?
1. Restructuring
Building filling stations in residential areas is a prevalent practice in Nigeria. However, to address the issue of tanker explosion or casualties lost to such incidents, this kind of structure should be banned to pave the way for a safe environment and the chance of fire outbreak would be averted.
2. Spacious Parks and Parking Spaces for tankers
Whether single or double parking on the road should be discouraged. There should not be an excuse for faulty tankers left on the road — they should be evacuated as soon as possible. Parks that would be dedicated to fuel tankers should be built across Nigeria. They should have their jurisdiction and not exceed it; fortified with the law. This will reduce traffic and accidents.
3. Good Roads
While tanker drivers and owners take care of their own blames, the government also has a big role. Such is ensuring quality roads are constructed and taken care of. No matter how huge and heavy a loaded tanker is, there won’t be issues or reasons for accidents.
4. Building of Depots
The government should make other means of transporting petroleum functional. This includes pipelines and railways. More depots should be installed across the country. It will reduce the rate of fuel-laden tankers travelling long distances. The roads would be more convenient and safer for other vehicles.
5. Screening
Fuel tankers should be scrutinised before leaving the depot. That is, tankers should be screened and approved before transportation. A duration should be agreed upon by the authorities to check the working condition of oil tankers.
In conclusion, all possible measures should be taken by the government and all other authorities to save lives and properties.
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