A fuel tanker caught fire on Wednesday morning while offloading fuel at a station in Wobulenzi Town Council, prompting a swift response from police and fire brigade teams.
Police in Luweero District said the incident occurred at around 7:30am at Matson Fuel Station in Lusenke Trading Centre.
According to a press statement issued by Savannah Regional Police spokesperson ASP Sam Twiineamazima, the tanker, registration number UA042CP, a Canter ELF, had just begun offloading fuel when the driver noticed the vehicle had started catching fire while still positioned at the fuel pump.
In an attempt to avert a potential disaster at the busy fuel station, the driver quickly drove the burning tanker away from the premises towards a nearby swamp in Kigulu Village to reduce the risk to people and property.
However, the fire intensified rapidly before the vehicle could reach the swamp. The driver was forced to abandon the tanker in the middle of a feeder road as the flames spread.
Police officers from Luweero District, together with fire brigade personnel, responded to the scene and secured the area to prevent further danger.
“The scene was secured and the burnt vehicle was later towed to Wobulenzi Police Yard pending a technical inspection,” Twiineamazima said.
Police confirmed that no injuries or loss of life were reported during the incident.
Authorities have launched investigations to establish the exact cause of the fire.
Police have also urged members of the public to remain vigilant around fuel stations and to promptly report any suspicious incidents to authorities as investigations continue.
