Panic broke out in Onitsha, Anambra State, after a fully loaded petrol tanker caught fire at the Pillars Energy Filling Station near the Stock Exchange.
The incident occurred around 9.20pm on Monday, causing traffic obstruction and raising fears of a possible explosion as flames engulfed the tanker. No life was lost in the incident.
The tanker reportedly caught fire shortly after the driver parked at the filling station, with part of the facility also affected by the blaze. Shop owners nearby reportedly shut their businesses, while motorists avoided the area as emergency responders moved in.
The Anambra State Fire Service said it received a distress call at about 9.20pm and immediately deployed firefighters and two firefighting trucks to the scene.
According to the Head of Media and Publicity of the state fire service, Chukwudi Chiketa, firefighters successfully brought the situation under control and remained at the location to conduct safety checks and monitor the area.
He urged residents and motorists to remain calm and cooperate with firefighters by giving them enough space to complete their operations.
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