Chaos erupts as fuel truck catches fire in Anambra

A devastating blaze erupted on a tanker transporting liquefied petroleum gas along the Awka-Enugu Expressway, specifically at Agu Awka, near the Women Development Centre in Awka, Anambra State, resulting in a massive traffic jam and widespread panic among residents and commuters.

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The fire, which was triggered by an electrical fault, broke out late on Saturday, completely destroying the tanker's head and engine cabin, and burned for several minutes before firefighters arrived at the scene.

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The intense inferno was rapidly spreading to other parts of the tanker before the timely arrival of firefighters, who managed to contain the blaze and prevent a potentially disastrous situation from unfolding.

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A local resident and a PoS operator who witnessed the incident recounted that the driver noticed thick smoke emanating from the engine cabin, and as he attempted to stop the vehicle, the smoke suddenly burst into flames and began spreading rapidly.

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The incident occurred at approximately 7 pm, causing widespread panic and prompting residents and other road users to flee for safety, but fortunately, the firefighters arrived just in time to prevent the fire from spreading to the gas sections.

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The Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, led by Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Sunday, stating that the fire service crew responded promptly to the distress call and prevented the fire from spreading to nearby properties.

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According to the statement, the Anambra State Fire Service successfully contained the fire outbreak involving the LPG tanker head and engine cabin at Agu Awka, near the Women Development Centre, Awka, Anambra State, upon receiving the distress call at exactly 1927 hours, or 7:27 pm.

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Firefighters promptly engaged the fire and prevented its spread to nearby properties, thereby averting a potentially hazardous situation, with preliminary findings indicating that the fire was caused by an electrical spark.

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The affected tanker head was completely burnt, but fortunately, no other damages were recorded, and more importantly, there was no loss of life in the incident, according to the statement.

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Firefighters concluded their operations and safely withdrew from the scene at approximately 8:18 pm, after ensuring the fire was fully contained.

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The Anambra State Fire Service urged the public to remain vigilant, regularly maintain vehicle electrical systems, and promptly report fire emergencies to the nearest fire station, reiterating its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.