By Ado Oyeyemi
There was panic in Onitsha, Anambra State, after a petrol-laden tanker caught fire at the Pillars Energy Filling Station, near the Stock Exchange, on Monday night.
The incident, which occurred around 9:20pm, caused a traffic obstruction and heightened fears of a possible explosion as flames engulfed the tanker.
No life was lost in the incident, although part of the filling station was reportedly affected by the fire.
According to eyewitnesses, the tanker caught fire shortly after the driver arrived at the filling station. The driver was said to have fled the scene as the flames intensified.
The development reportedly caused panic among shop owners, residents and motorists in the area, with some businesses shutting temporarily while motorists avoided the affected section of the road.
An eyewitness said the situation created fears of a major explosion because of the quantity of fuel being conveyed by the tanker.
Firefighters from the Anambra State Fire Service were subsequently deployed to the scene, where they worked to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby facilities.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Tuesday, the Head of Media and Publicity of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, said firefighters were alerted to the incident at 9:20pm on Monday.
Chiketa said two firefighting trucks and personnel were immediately mobilised to the filling station, where they commenced operations to bring the fire under control and prevent further escalation.
He stated, “No life was lost in the incident. The general public is hereby advised to remain calm and go about their normal business, as the situation is fully under control.
“Motorists and residents around the area are, however, encouraged to cooperate with firefighters and give them the necessary space to complete their operations.”
Chiketa added that firefighters remained at the scene until late Tuesday to conduct safety checks and monitor the area to ensure that there was no further danger.
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He urged residents to remain vigilant, stressing that prompt action and caution could help prevent fire disasters.
