UITH Burn Expert Warns NURTW Members Against Fire Hazards on Roads, at Home

 

…Says 441 Lives Lost to Road Fire Incidents in 2024

Nigerian Burn Injuries Society has urged members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ilorin to adopt safer practices on the road and at home in order to reduce the rising cases of fire incidents across the country.

Speaking during a sensitisation organised by the Society to NURTW drivers in Ilorin on Thursday, Dr. Olubunmi Aderibigbe of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), said Nigeria continues to record needless deaths and losses because of avoidable fire outbreaks, many of which are caused by human negligence.

Aderibigbe, a burn expert, who recounted a recent trip to Ibadan, said he witnessed a fuel tanker that had been completely burnt along the highway.

“Two years ago, many people died and we lost millions of Naira to road accidents caused by fire along Airport Road in Ilorin.

“Fire incidents do not destroy vehicles alone—they destroy families, livelihoods, and entire communities.”

He noted that fire management is no longer the responsibility of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Fire Service or medical personnel alone, but a shared duty involving transporters, drivers, and every road user.

“We are all stakeholders because fire recreates people it attacks, spreads very fast, and destroys everything in its path.” he warned.

Stop Carrying Extra Fuel in Your Vehicles

The UITH fire expert warned drivers and Keke or Tricycle riders against the dangerous habit of carrying extra petrol inside their vehicles, especially during periods of scarcity.

“Carrying fuel in your vehicle always results in danger. We have lost many lives and destroyed many properties because people insist on transporting fuel around. If you are alive, you can transact business. Let us avoid carrying extra fuel at all cost,” he warned.

The Burn Consultant at UITH, also cautioned Nigerians who store petrol at home for generators, saying the practice has become a major source of household fires.

“Some people cannot do without using generators, but they keep buying fuel and storing it in their houses or shops. Stop keeping fuel in jerrycans. Do not use your phone light when loading fuel into your car or generator. Petrol is highly inflammable,” he emphasized.

 

 

Aderibigbe reminded the transport workers that fire, though essential for lighting and cooking, becomes destructive when mishandled.

“As good as fire and light are, they can become dangerous. Fire has no control once it escapes. Avoid fire crises at all cost,” he said.

He also asked how many commercial drivers presently carry functional fire extinguishers—a necessity, he said, for every vehicle on the road in the country.

“Accidents are never planned. We must be prepared everywhere and at all times,” he advised.

Citing recent statistics, Aderibigbe disclosed that 441 people lost their lives in 2024 due to fire-related road accidents.

He attributed most of these cases to human factors such as carelessness, speeding, poor maintenance culture, and unsafe handling of petroleum products.

The UITH expert urged drivers to avoid worn-out tyres, overloading, and the dangerous practice of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.

“If a tanker falls, don’t go near it—run!” he warned. “Put your safety first. Fuel, gas, and fire should be handled with extreme care.”

He explained the “fire triangle”—heat, oxygen, and fuel—saying fire can only occur when these three elements come together. For this reason, Nigerians must limit exposure to all three wherever they can.

“Do everything within your power to prevent these three from meeting,” he told the drivers.

Aderibigbe concluded with a reminder that safety is not accidental but intentional, saying “We must take responsibility. Fire does not give a second chance. Let us protect our passengers, our homes, and our communities from fire incidents.”

Also speaking at the sensitisation, the representative of Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr Tayo Aluko urged drivers to avoid carry fuel, overspending and other dangerous driving whole on the highway.

He said the FRSC officials will continue to arrest and book drivers who do not carry fire extinguisher in their vehicles.