A 33,000-litre tanker transporting automotive gas oil (diesel) overturned early Friday morning near the Army Gate along the Onitsha-Awka-Enugu Expressway in Anambra State, causing severe traffic congestion.
The accident occurred at approximately 7:05 a.m. when the tanker driver attempted to make a turn into a filling station on the busy expressway.
Eyewitnesses reported that the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to topple and spill part of its diesel load across the road.
Prompt intervention by the Anambra State Fire Service prevented a potential disaster. Firefighters quickly arrived at the scene, spraying the affected area with chemical foam to reduce the risk of an explosion or fire outbreak. Despite their efforts, some residents were seen scooping the spilled diesel from nearby gutters, while security personnel struggled to manage the heavy traffic flow.
Confirming the incident, Anambra State Fire Chief Chukwudi Chiketa said,
“The incident happened at about 7:00 a.m. Firefighters have cordoned off and taken control of the scene.”
Providing further details, Chiketa explained,
“The tanker was trying to discharge its content at the filling station beside the Army Gate’s fence when it suddenly started rolling backwards. The driver, according to the owner, didn’t engage the handbrake. Before you know it, it started to roll, and the driver who tried to jump out sustained a head injury. He was immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention. The whole content was emptied. We thank God that no life was lost in the process.”
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