Panic broke out in Onitsha, Anambra State, after a fully loaded petrol tanker caught fire at a filling station near the Stock Exchange.
The incident happened late Monday at Pillars Energy Filling Station, causing fear among motorists, traders and residents around the busy area.
The tanker reportedly caught fire shortly after the driver parked the vehicle at the station. The flames also affected part of the filling station, while thick smoke could be seen from a distance...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The situation caused traffic disruption as people around the area reportedly moved away from the scene over fears that the fire could trigger a major explosion.
Shop owners in the area were also said to have hurriedly closed their businesses as motorists avoided the affected section of the road.
Emergency responders were quickly deployed to the scene as firefighters worked to bring the situation under control and prevent the flames from spreading.
The Anambra State Fire Service said firefighters and two fire trucks were mobilised after receiving a distress call at about 9:20pm.
Firefighters reportedly sprayed water around the tanker and worked to prevent any further ignition or escalation.
Fortunately, no deaths or injuries were recorded in the incident.
The incident has once again raised concerns over the risks associated with petrol tankers operating around busy commercial areas and filling stations, particularly in densely populated parts of Nigerian cities.
