A potential disaster was narrowly avoided in Wobulenzi Town Council on Wednesday morning thanks to the courageous and quick thinking of a truck driver. The emergency began at approximately 7:30 am at Matson Fuel Station in Lusenke Trading Centre when a fuel tanker suddenly caught fire while offloading its highly flammable cargo. Realizing the immense danger posed to the busy station and surrounding businesses, the driver made the split second decision to steer the flaming vehicle away from the pumps and toward an open swamp in Kigulu Village to minimize the risk to human life and property.
As the fire intensified with alarming speed, the driver was forced to abandon the vehicle on a feeder road just before reaching the swamp as the flames became uncontrollable. Police units from Luweero District and fire brigade teams arrived on the scene shortly after to secure the perimeter and extinguish the blaze. The scorched remains of the tanker were eventually towed to the Wobulenzi Police Yard, where technical experts will conduct a thorough inspection to determine the exact cause of the ignition.
Remarkably, authorities have confirmed that there were no injuries or fatalities resulting from the incident, a feat largely attributed to the initial brave maneuver of the driver. Following the event, regional police spokespersons have urged the public to exercise extreme vigilance when near fuel handling facilities and to report any irregularities immediately. Investigations remain ongoing to ensure future safety at refueling points across the region.