Generator catches fire as man attempts to refill fuel

A generator reportedly caught fire while someone was attempting to pour petrol into it after it ran out of fuel, raising fresh concerns about careless handling of petrol during the dry season.

Igwe Kelvin, who spoke to Next Africa Daily during an interview in Abakaliki, shared the incident, which happened within his vicinity. According to Kelvin, the generator was switched on when its fuel ran out. The person brought petrol and attempted to refill it, but the generator suddenly caught fire. The exact cause of the incident remains unknown.

The incident reportedly left the person with fire injuries. Speaking on the issue, Kelvin urged members of the public to be more careful when handling petrol, particularly when refuelling generators.

He noted that some people fail to allow their generators to cool down before adding fuel, a practice that can expose them to serious danger. Members of the public are therefore advised to switch off their generators and allow them to cool completely before refuelling. Petrol should also be handled carefully and kept away from sources of ignition.

As the dry season continues, everyone is encouraged to take fire safety precautions seriously because a moment of carelessness can lead to serious consequences.

This public safety information is brought to you by Next Africa Daily.