PANIC AS FUEL TANKER CATCHES FIRE NEAR ONITSHA STOCK EXCHANGE

Panic broke out in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Monday night after a fully loaded petrol tanker caught fire at the Pillars Energy Filling Station near the Stock Exchange, disrupting traffic and raising fears of a possible explosion.

The incident, which occurred at about 9:20pm, sent thick flames into the air and caused motorists, shop owners and residents around the area to flee for safety.

No casualty was recorded in the incident.

The tanker was reportedly gutted by fire shortly after the driver parked the vehicle at the filling station, with part of the station also affected by the blaze.

An eyewitness said the incident created panic as the tanker reportedly made a loud noise, prompting the driver to abandon the vehicle and run to safety.

According to the witness, shop owners in the area quickly shut their businesses while motorists avoided the scene for fear of a possible explosion.

Emergency responders subsequently cordoned off the affected area as firefighters moved in to prevent the fire from spreading.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Tuesday, the Head of Media and Publicity of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, said firefighters were promptly deployed to the scene after receiving a distress call.

Chiketa said two firefighting trucks were mobilised to the filling station and immediately commenced operations to bring the fire under control and prevent further escalation.

He said, “The Anambra State Fire Service has responded swiftly to a fire incident involving a tanker laden with fuel at Pillars Energy Filling Station, near the Stock Exchange, Onitsha.

“Immediately upon receiving the distress call at 2120 hours on Monday, gallant firefighters and two firefighting trucks were mobilised to the scene, and they commenced firefighting operations to bring the fire under control and prevent further escalation.

“No life was lost in the incident. The general public is hereby advised to remain calm and go about their normal business, as the situation is fully under control.”

The fire service spokesman urged motorists and residents in the area to cooperate with firefighters and give them sufficient space to carry out their operations.

He added that firefighters remained at the scene until late Tuesday, conducting safety checks and monitoring the area to ensure there was no further danger.

Chiketa also urged residents to remain vigilant, warning that fire incidents could be prevented through caution and prompt response.

“Fire kills, but we can prevent it,” he said.