A tanker carrying liquefied petroleum gas caught fire on the Awka-Enugu Expressway near the Women’s Development Centre in Awka, Anambra State, causing gridlock and alarm among residents and other road users.
According to reports, the fire, triggered by an electrical fault, broke out late on Saturday and entirely destroyed the tanker head, which burned for several minutes before firefighters arrived.
The fire had devoured the tanker head and engine cabin and was rapidly spreading to other sections before firefighters arrived, who attacked the fire and stopped it from spreading, preventing a potentially disastrous situation.
A homeowner and a PoS operator near the incident reported, “The driver of the vehicle noticed thick smoke coming out from the engine cabin.” As he tried to stop the vehicle, the smoke burst into flames and started spreading fast.
“The incident occurred at about 7 pm and caused serious panic, forcing residents and other road users to flee for safety to avoid potential danger, but fortunately, the firefighters arrived at the scene to prevent it from spreading to the gas sections.”
The Anambra State Fire Service’s Media and Publicity Unit, commanded by Chukwudi Chiketa, acknowledged the occurrence in a statement issued on Sunday.
He stated that when the fire department received the distress call, they responded quickly and prevented the fire from spreading to surrounding properties, avoiding a potentially dangerous situation.
“The Anambra State Fire Service has successfully contained a fire outbreak involving an LPG tanker head (engine cabin) at Agu Awka, near the Women Development Centre, Awka, Anambra State.
“The distress call was received at exactly 1927 hours (7:27 pm), prompting an immediate response from the fire service crew. Upon arrival, firefighters engaged the fire and prevented its spread to nearby properties, thereby averting a potentially hazardous situation.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the fire was caused by an electrical spark. The affected tanker head was completely burnt; however, no other damage was recorded. Importantly, there was no loss of life in the incident.”
According to him, firefighters finished their operations and safely left the area about 8:18 p.m. after assuring the fire was completely contained.
“The Anambra State Fire Service urges the public to remain vigilant, regularly maintain vehicle electrical systems, and promptly report fire emergencies to the nearest fire station.
“The Service remains committed to the protection of lives and property across the state,” the statement concluded.
