Anambra state
A night of tragedy unfolded along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway as a diesel-laden tanker exploded at the Agu-Awka axis, leaving two people dead and two others severely injured.
The disaster struck around 11:26 p.m. on Thursday when the tanker collided with a truck carrying bags of animal feeds, instantly igniting a massive blaze.
Confirming the incident, the Chief Fire Officer of the Anambra State Fire Service, Mr. Chukwudi Chiketa, revealed that emergency responders acted quickly following a distress call.
Firefighters were immediately deployed to the scene to extinguish the flames and stabilise the area, while the injured victims were rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.
Speaking from the scene, Chiketa praised the quick reaction of his team and assured Awka residents that the fire was successfully brought under control.
He urged the public to remain calm while offering vital safety advice to motorists:
Exercise Caution: Drive with extreme care on sloping roads and maintain a safe distance when traveling near petroleum transport trucks.
Prioritise Maintenance: Conduct regular vehicular checks, particularly inspecting braking systems, to prevent mechanical failures and catastrophic collisions.
