LPG TANKER BURSTS INTO FLAMES IN AWKA, CAUSES PANIC, GRIDLOCK
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
A tanker carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) erupted in flames along the Awka–Enugu Expressway at Agu Awka, near the Women Development Centre, triggering panic among residents and road users.
The incident, which occurred late Saturday evening, caused heavy traffic congestion as people fled the area over fears of a possible explosion.
Eyewitnesses said the fire started after an electrical fault in the tanker’s engine cabin. The driver reportedly noticed thick smoke billowing from the vehicle before it suddenly ignited.
“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,” a nearby resident and PoS operator said.
The blaze, which broke out around 7 p.m., completely destroyed the tanker head and engine cabin and was spreading rapidly before firefighters arrived at the scene.
Officials of the Anambra State Fire Service confirmed the incident on Sunday, stating that a distress call was received at about 7:27 p.m., prompting an immediate emergency response.
Firefighters were able to contain the inferno and prevent it from reaching the gas compartments, thereby averting a potentially catastrophic explosion and further damage to nearby properties.
According to the agency, preliminary findings indicate that the fire was caused by an electrical spark. While the tanker head was completely burnt, no other property was damaged, and no casualties were recorded.
Emergency operations were concluded at approximately 8:18 p.m. after the fire was fully contained.
The fire service has since urged the public to ensure proper maintenance of vehicle electrical systems and to promptly report fire outbreaks to the nearest station, reiterating its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
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