Fuel tanker rams into vehicle on Niger Bridge, catches fire

There was panic on the River Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Tuesday evening when an explosion occurred as a result of a head-on collision between a petrol-laden tanker and another vehicle.

The incident, according to sources near the area, which started around 9 pm., was attributed to alleged reckless driving by the tanker driver.

Although no life was lost, the incident caused on the bridge as the resultant flames covered the area, even as firefighters and other rescue operators battled to bring the situation under control.

Confirming the incident when contacted, the Anambra State Fire Chief, Martin Agbili, said the fire was put put around 9.30pm.
“The information is correct, but the fire had already been put out around 9:30pm. It was a head-on collision between two vehicles and the fire was ignited.

“Firefighters and other rescue operators battled to quench the fire and no life was lost. The bridge was not damaged. There is no need for panic.”
Similarly, a fallen petrol tanker at Awkuzu also caused a serious gridlock as commuters struggled to access their various locations on Tuesday.
The state fire chief, Martin Agbili, who also confirmed the incident, said it happened at about 7:30 a.m.

“At about 7.30am of today 31-10-2023, Anambra State Fire Service received a distress call of a fallen petrol tanker at Awkuzu.

“Immediately, we deployed our firefighters and fire truck to the incident scene.

“No live was lost as we were able to prevent it from catching fire. We want to appreciate the Nigeria Police Force, Army, FRSC in their efforts to control the crowd that were scooping petrol.

“We disengaged from the incident scene at about 1518hrs (3.18pm) after confirming the environment safe.”