Fuel tanker fire triggers panic near Onitsha filling station
A fully loaded petrol tanker caught fire at the Pillars Energy Filling Station near the Stock Exchange in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Monday night, causing traffic obstruction and public alarm. The state fire service said firefighters brought the blaze under control and reported no deaths.
A fully loaded petrol tanker caught fire at the Pillars Energy Filling Station near the Stock Exchange in Onitsha, Anambra State, late on Monday, causing panic and obstructing traffic around the commercial area. The tanker was reportedly engulfed in flames shortly after its driver parked at the station. Part of the filling station was also affected, while thick smoke and flames raised fears of a larger explosion among residents, traders and motorists nearby.
Eyewitnesses said the driver fled the scene as the fire intensified. Authorities cordoned off the area while emergency responders worked to prevent the incident from spreading. Nearby shop owners reportedly closed their businesses, and motorists avoided the road.
The Head of Media and Publicity of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday. He said the service received a distress call at 9:20pm on Monday and immediately deployed firefighters and two firefighting trucks. According to Chiketa, firefighters began operations to control the blaze and prevent a related emergency.
He said no life was lost and urged members of the public to remain calm because the situation was under control. Firefighters remained at the scene until late on Tuesday for safety checks and monitoring. Chiketa appealed to motorists and residents to give emergency personnel sufficient space to complete their work and advised the public to remain vigilant, saying fires could be prevented.
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