Vehicles, shops razed as tanker explodes in Anambra

A petrol tanker has falling and exploded in Amansea, along the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway, Anambra State on Friday.

Although no life was lost in the incident, it was gathered that no fewer than three vehicles and nearby shops at the cattle market were torched by the inferno.

The full details of the incident could not be fully ascertained, but it was said to have happened when the vehicle hooked on an electric pole and the spark caused it to explode.

An eyewitness said as the tanker fell and caught fire, while the driver was able to escape with the head of the truck.

Confirming the incident, the state Fire Chief, Mr Martin Agbili, said no life was lost in the inferno.

He said, “The Anambra State Fire Service, received a distress call of a fallen petrol tanker fire along Onitsha-Enugu Expressway, Amansea, Anambra State

“Immediately, we deployed our fire truck and fire fighters to the fire incident scene led by Fire Chief, Agbili Martin Agility.

“Due to the heavy rainfall this morning, the fallen fuel tanker hooked on a sagged high tension wire and the spark caused the fire outbreak. As the tanker fell and caught fire, the driver was able to escape with the head of the truck.

“Our chemical foam compound has been applied which helped to neutralise and extinguished the fire easily.

“No life was lost but fire incident destroyed about three (3) buses and also affected part of the cattle market shops.”

(Punch)