Panic as Petrol Tanker Overturns along Onitsha-Owerri Expressway

By Our Reporter

A fully loaded petrol tanker overturned along the Onitsha–Owerri Road in Ihiala, Anambra State, on Sunday, triggering panic among motorists, traders and residents as emergency responders moved swiftly to avert a possible fire outbreak.

There was panic along the Onitsha–Owerri Road near the Army Checkpoint in Ihiala, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Sunday after a fully loaded petrol tanker overturned by the roadside and obstructed traffic.

The incident, which occurred at about 2pm, was reportedly caused by a suspected steering-system failure that left the driver struggling to control the tanker as he attempted to move into a service lane.

No death or injury was recorded.

The accident sparked fears of a possible explosion, prompting shop owners around the scene to shut their businesses and motorists to keep their distance while emergency responders secured the area.

An eyewitness said the tanker lost control while the driver was attempting to navigate into the service lane.

“The driver of the vehicle experienced a steering-system failure, and while he was trying to navigate into the service lane, he lost control of the vehicle, and it fell off the road.

“The development created panic and obstruction on the road as shop owners near the scene quickly closed their shops and distanced themselves, while motorists avoided coming close for fear of a fire explosion or any related emergency,” the eyewitness recounted.

Men of the Anambra State Fire Service were subsequently deployed to the scene, where they sprayed water around the tanker as a precautionary measure against any potential ignition.

The Head of Media and Publicity of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday.

According to him, the fire service received a distress call at about 2:31pm concerning a serious road traffic accident involving a fully loaded Premium Motor Spirit tanker belonging to Nazito Filling Station at the Army Checkpoint, Ihiala.

“Following the distress call, the Anambra State Fire Service promptly mobilised firefighters and firefighting equipment to the scene to prevent any related emergency,” Chiketa said.

He explained that preliminary information indicated that the tanker lost control following a suspected steering-system failure, causing it to overturn.

“Fortunately, no life was lost in the incident,” he added.

Chiketa urged members of the public to remain calm and stay away from fallen fuel tankers and other potentially hazardous accident scenes.

He also advised motorists, particularly operators of heavy-duty vehicles and tankers, to prioritise regular maintenance and inspection of critical vehicle components.

“Motorists must also ensure critical components, including braking, steering and tyre systems, are routinely inspected and serviced to prevent avoidable accidents. Fire kills, but we can prevent it,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, firefighters remained at the scene managing the situation and enforcing necessary safety measures, while efforts were ongoing to bring the incident fully under control.