There was tension along the Igboukwu–Uga Road in the Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State after a tanker fully loaded with Premium Motor Spirit overturned, creating a major blockage and sparking fears of a possible explosion.
The incident, which happened on Sunday, was linked to a brake failure that caused the driver to lose control, making the tanker tilt and spill its contents across the road.
Information gathered by our correspondent indicates that the fallen tanker obstructed a busy stretch of the highway, prompting officials to redirect motorists while emergency teams and the state fire service worked swiftly to prevent a fire.
Emergency workers reportedly struggled to stop residents from attempting to scoop fuel, an action that could have triggered a fire and led to casualties.
This marks the third petrol tanker crash on a major road in the state within the past week. Another incident occurred on Tuesday when a tanker conveying petrol toppled at No. 18 Enugu Road, in front of OVL Filling Station, also causing heavy obstruction and heightening fears of an explosion.
When our correspondent visited the site on Monday, the product had already been transferred into another tanker, though the damaged one was still blocking the road as vehicles were diverted to alternative routes.
An eyewitness and resident, Osita Ibe, explained, “The tanker suffered brake failure as the driver was navigating the road in the morning, thereby tumbling over with a loud noise and immediately started discharging its contents to the ground. The area was cordoned off and motorists were diverted to prevent any explosion.
“Fortunately, there was no casualty recorded. Some residents who attempted to scoop fuel from the fallen tanker were prevented from doing so before the arrival of firefighters who came and sprayed chemicals around the scene to prevent a possible explosion, while the remaining content was transloaded into another vehicle.”
The Head of Media and Publicity of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed the incident on Monday, noting that two fire trucks were deployed following the emergency call.
According to him, the prompt and skilled efforts of the firefighters stopped the situation from escalating into a fire.
He stated, “The Anambra State Fire Service this morning received a distress call at 8:35 am on Sunday reporting a fallen tanker loaded with petrol along the Igboukwu–Uga Road in Aguata Local Government Area.
“The tanker was said to have suffered brake failure, causing the driver to lose control. In an attempt to stabilise the vehicle, the tanker fell and began discharging petrol onto the roadway. Firefighters were immediately mobilised to the scene. Their swift and professional intervention prevented the situation from escalating into a fire outbreak.
“During the transloading process, the Fire Service team sprayed water mixed with foam compound to reduce heat and prevent combustion, maintaining full safety control throughout. They also successfully prevented community members from scooping fuel, thereby averting the risk of fire and possible casualties.
“No life was lost. Fire Service personnel and the tanker remained at the scene during the transloading process.”
He urged the public never to scoop fuel under any circumstances and to contact the Fire Service quickly during emergencies via the number provided.
A separate report on Tuesday revealed that panic also broke out in Onitsha, Anambra State, after another petrol-laden tanker fell at No. 18 Enugu Road, right in front of the OVL Filling Station, again causing significant obstruction and fears of an explosion.
That accident, which occurred around 11:15 a.m., was attributed to a deflated tyre that made the tanker lose balance before overturning.
The fallen tanker completely blocked the road, forcing traffic diversion as emergency responders worked to prevent a fire.
They also managed to stop locals from scooping petrol, helping avert possible casualties.
Fire Service officers were quickly dispatched to the scene and were seen spraying water around the tanker to eliminate potential ignition sources.
