A major scare gripped residents of Onitsha, Anambra State, on Tuesday after a petrol-filled tanker crashed along Enugu Road, blocking traffic and raising concerns of a possible explosion in one of the city’s busiest corridors.
The incident occurred around 11:15 a.m. in front of the OVL Filling Station, when the tanker—carrying Premium Motor Spirit—lost control and toppled over.
Preliminary reports linked the crash to a deflated tyre, which caused the driver to lose balance before the vehicle fell on its side.
The fallen tanker completely obstructed the roadway, forcing authorities to divert motorists to alternate routes while emergency agencies rushed in to prevent the highly combustible product from igniting.
Personnel of the Anambra State Fire Service arrived promptly, deploying two fire trucks to the scene. Firefighters were seen dousing the area with water to eliminate any potential sources of ignition.
In a statement confirming the crash, Chukwudi Chiketa, Head of Media and Publicity for the state fire service, said emergency responders were still on site to ensure maximum safety.
“A fully loaded tanker has fallen at No. 18 Enugu Road, directly in front of OVL Filling Station, Onitsha. The accident was traced to a deflated tyre. Our men responded immediately after receiving a distress call at 11:55 hours. Two firefighting trucks were deployed to the location,” Chiketa said.
He urged motorists—especially operators of heavy-duty vehicles—to carry out thorough safety checks before hitting the road, warning that such incidents could cause catastrophic damage if not swiftly managed.
The state fire service noted that further updates would be communicated as operations continued.
Tuesday’s accident comes on the heels of a tragic tanker explosion in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, where one person lost their life and at least six shops were destroyed.
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The Ozubulu fire erupted last Friday after a petrol tanker collided with a car and a tricycle, spilling fuel and triggering a massive blaze that swept through nearby shops.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as flames surged through the area, with passengers in the tricycle sustaining serious burns and being rushed to the hospital.
The Federal Road Safety Corps later cordoned off the road and diverted traffic to avert additional casualties.
The back-to-back tanker incidents have reignited public concerns over road safety and the dangers posed by poorly maintained heavy-duty vehicles across Anambra State.