Panic as petrol tanker catches fire in Anambra

There was panic at the Pillars Energy Filling Station, near the Stock Exchange, Onitsha, the commercial nerve centre of Anambra State, after a fully loaded petrol tanker suddenly caught fire, obstructing traffic and raising fears of an explosion.

The incident, which occurred late on Monday, also caused pandemonium around the area as thick flames were seen coming up from the tanker.

Although no casualties were recorded in the incident, it was gathered that the truck was gutted by fire as soon as the driver parked the vehicle, burning part of the filling station.

Some eyewitnesses near the scene said the incident forced authorities to cordon off the affected area as emergency responders moved to the scene to prevent the fire outbreak from escalating further.

“The petrol tanker exploded with a loud noise, creating panic in the area as the driver fled for safety while he was trying to pack the vehicle.

“The development created panic and obstruction on the road as shop owners near the scene quickly closed their shops and distanced themselves while motorists avoided coming close to the area for fear of a fire explosion or any related emergency.

“Men of the Anambra State Fire Service later arrived at the scene and started spraying water around the tanker to neutralise any ignition,” one eyewitness who spoke to our correspondent said.

Confirming the incident in a press statement on Tuesday, the Head of Media and Publicity, Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, said the fire service promptly mobilised firefighters and firefighting equipment to the scene to prevent any related emergency.

• Mixed reactions as FG demarcates First Niger Bridge
• Fire guts one-storey building in Lagos
• Police disrupt cult gathering in Anambra, arrest suspect

Chiketa said, “The Anambra State Fire Service has responded swiftly to a fire incident involving a tanker laden with fuel at Pillars Energy Filling Station, near the Stock Exchange, Onitsha.

“Immediately upon receiving the distress call at 2120 hours on Monday, gallant firefighters and two firefighting trucks were mobilised to the scene, and they commenced firefighting operations to bring the fire under control and prevent further escalation.

“No life was lost in the incident. The general public is hereby advised to remain calm and go about their normal business, as the situation is fully under control.

“Motorists and residents around the area are, however, encouraged to cooperate with firefighters and give them the necessary space to complete their operations.”

He said firefighters remained at the scene until late on Tuesday, carrying out further safety checks and monitoring operations to ensure the area remained completely safe.

He advised residents to stay vigilant, adding, “Fire kills, but we can prevent it.”