Panic as petrol tanker falls, causes obstruction on Anambra road

There was panic along the Onitsha-Owerri Road near the Army Checkpoint in Ihiala, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Sunday after a fully loaded petrol tanker fell by the roadside, obstructing traffic and raising fears of an explosion.

The incident, which occurred around 2 pm, was reportedly caused by a steering-system failure that made the tanker lose control and overturn. No casualty was recorded.

The accident forced authorities to cordon off the affected lane and divert traffic as emergency responders moved to the scene to prevent a possible fire outbreak.

Men of the Anambra State Fire Service were immediately deployed to the scene and were seen spraying water around the tanker to neutralise any ignition source.

“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.

“The development created panic and obstruction on the road as shop owners near the scene quickly closed their shops and distanced themselves while motorists avoided coming close for fear of a fire explosion or any related emergency.

“Men of the Anambra State Firefighters later arrived the scene and started spraying water around the tanker to neutralise any ignition,” one of the eyewitnesses who spoke to our correspondent recounted.

The Head of Media and Publicity, Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday, saying that the fire service promptly mobilised firefighters and firefighting equipment to the scene to prevent any related emergency.

Chiketa confirmed that the tanker driver reportedly lost control following a suspected steering-system failure, resulting in the vehicle falling at the scene.

He said, “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.

The statement partly read,“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.”

He urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid actions that could expose them to danger, particularly around fallen fuel tankers.

“The fire service also reiterates its call on motorists, especially operators of heavy-duty and tanker vehicles, to ensure that their vehicles are properly maintained.

“Motorists must also ensure critical components, including braking, steering and tyre systems, are routinely inspected and serviced to prevent avoidable accidents. Fire kills, but we can prevent it,” he added.

As of the time of filing this report, our correspondent observed that firefighters were still on the ground managing the situation and ensuring that necessary safety measures were put in place. The situation was being brought under control.