Shops, Buildings Razed As Petrol Tanker Explodes In Onitsha

A fire explosion rocked Onitsha, Anambra State on Friday when a petrol tanker laden with the premium motor spirit sparked fire at the popular Upper Iweka junction of the commercial city.

The incident, which occurred around 8:30am in front of the Relief market, left many shops and buildings around the scene burnt.

An eyewitness said the incident was caused by the articulated truck which broke down at the bad portion of the busy Onitsha-Owerri expressway

The fire which is still raging at the time of filling this report has burnt over 10 storey buildings, vehicles and tricycles.

No life has been lost yet, but goods and property worth millions of naira were destroyed by the fire.

When our correspondent visited the area, the fire caused serious traffic gridlock along the highway, as Fire service men both from Anambra and Delta states battled the raging fire.

Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the incident.

He said: “Information reveals that the cause of the fire is as a result of a tanker carrying fuel by Obodoukwu junction along Onitsha river Owerri road fell.

“The situation is under control and is closely monitored. The Police and fire service are currently on ground there.”