Petrol tanker crash causes panic and road obstruction in Anambra

Panic gripped residents and motorists along the Onitsha-Owerri Road in Anambra State on Sunday after a fully loaded petrol tanker overturned, blocking traffic and raising fears of a potential explosion. The incident happened around 2 p.m. near the Army Checkpoint in Ihiala Local Government Area.

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The driver of the vehicle experienced a steering system failure, and while he was trying to navigate into the service lane, he lost control of the vehicle, and it fell off the road.

Eyewitnesses reported that the tanker lost control and overturned due to a suspected steering-system failure. The immediate aftermath saw shop owners near the scene closing their businesses and moving away, while drivers avoided the area due to the risk of fire or other emergencies.

Emergency responders, including the Anambra State Fire Service, were quickly dispatched to the scene. Firefighters were observed spraying water around the tanker to neutralize any potential ignition sources and mitigate the risk of a fire outbreak. Fortunately, no casualties were reported as a result of the accident.

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The Anambra State Fire Service received a distress call at about 1431 hours on Sunday, reporting a serious road traffic accident involving a fallen, fully loaded Premium Motor Spirit tanker belonging to Nazito Filling Station, at the Army Checkpoint, Ihiala, in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Chukwudi Chiketa, Head of Media and Publicity for the Anambra State Fire Service, confirmed the incident. He stated that firefighters and equipment were mobilized promptly following a distress call. Preliminary information suggests the driver lost control due to steering system failure. Chiketa urged the public to remain calm and avoid dangerous actions near the site.

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Following the distress call, the Anambra State Fire Service promptly mobilised firefighters and firefighting equipment to the scene to prevent any related emergency. Preliminary information indicates that the tanker reportedly lost control following a suspected steering-system failure, resulting in the vehicle falling at the scene. Fortunately, no life was lost in the incident.