Driver, Conductor Escape Death in Petrol Tanker Explosion in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

Petrol tanker driver and his conductor on Tuesday escaped death in a petrol tanker explosion at the popular Immigration Junction, along Awka-Enugu expressway in Awka, Anambra State.

The incident which occurred around 6.50am involved a tanker laden with oil with no registration number. 

According to eyewitness, the speeding tanker, lost control and crashed while trying to make a u-turn at the junction.

He said the tanker suddenly went up in flames while the driver and conductor took to their heels.

Confirming the incident, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Corps Commander Adeoye Irelewuyi attributed the cause of the crash to speed.

He warned motorist to desist from overspspeeding and observe recommended speed limits. 

He said, “An Unidentified driver of a Tanker laden with oil with no registration number was involved in a minor road traffic crash at Immigration Junction by Awka-Enugu Expressway today 15th, November, 2022 at about 06:50hrs.

“Two male adults were involved in the crash. None killed, none injured. Both occupants were rescued unhurt.

“The FRSC rescue team from RS5.3 Anambra Sector Command are on ground  managing traffic, the fire service are also on ground to extinguish the fire.”

Corroborating the report, Fire Chief, Engr Martin Agbili said no life was lost in the inferno, adding that the tanker driver and his conductor fled the scene shortly after the incident.

He said three petrol filling stations within the area were saved from the fire.

He said, “At about 0607hrs (6:07am) of today Tuesday 15-11-2022, Anambra State Fire Service, received a distress call of a fallen petrol tanker fire of 45,000litres capacity.

“Immediately, our fearless and tireless Firefighters and firefighting truck to scene of fire led by Fire Chief Agbili Martin Agility.

“Cause of Fire: Over Speeding of the tanker driver. Item Saved: 

“Assistance Giving: Assistance were given by Nigerian Police Force, FRSC, Civil Defence, DSS. Extinguising medium: We were able to extinguish the fire with the mixture of chemical foam compound and water.

“Loss of Life: There no loss of life. The driver and conductor of the tanker could not be found and probably, they were able to escape.

“The firefighting operation was very successfully as we fought the fire to standstill.

Withdrawal time: 0930hrs (9:30am).

“Hon. Commissioner for Power and Water Resources , Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka was there from begining to the last Firefighting operation.”