Petrol tanker explodes in Onitsha

A petroleum tanker conveying about 15,000 litres of petroleum products reportedly caught fire around 2am on Friday in Onitsha, Anambra State.

According to DailyPost, Onitsha residents are not new to exploding petroleum tankers as it has remained a recurring disaster in the state, since 2019, leading to a ban on the movement of tankers conveying petroleum products during the day by the state government.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Haruna Mohammed who confirmed the incident said the truck was loaded with premium motor spirit (PMS) and parked by the roadside along Onitsha/Awka Expressway by Vin Oil Filling Station, Onitsha when it went up in flames.

“Following the distress call, Police patrol teams led by DPO Awada Division, CSP Tony Adeyi rushed to the scene and immediately contacted Anambra State Fire Service who responded promptly.

“The scene was cordoned off and the situation was brought under control and obstruction cleared to enable free flow of traffic in the area after the fire was put off at about 03:30 am.

“Cause of fire is yet to be ascertained but the truck’s overcharged battery is suspected. No loss of life or injury was recorded during the incident.

DailyPost also revealed that a Cross River State-bound Man Diesel Truck with Registration Number XB 425 DTR conveying Cosmetics, perfumes, Air condition gas cylinders and plywoods from Onitsha market was caught fire close to UNIZIK main gate along Enugu-Onisha expressway, Awka, on Thursday.

The truck and entire goods were consumed in the inferno but the driver, Chimilezie Aneke, aged 45years of Osile quarters Ogbunike and other occupants escaped unhurt.