Two persons lost their lives while two others sustained varying degrees of injuries when a tanker exploded at the Agu-Awka axis of Awka on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
The tanker loaded with diesel exploded and began to burn when it collided with a truck carrying bags of animal feeds at 11:26 p.m. on Thursday.
Confirming the incident, the Chief Fire Officer of Anambra State Fire Service, Mr Chukwudi Chiketa, said the injured victims were rushed to a hospital for medical attention.
Chiketa, who was at the scene, said the fire service promptly mobilised firefighters and equipment to the scene following a distress call.
He said that firefighters were still at the scene working to control the situation as at the time of filing this report.
“I want to commend the firefighters for their prompt response and I urged motorists and other road users to exercise extreme caution, particularly when approaching sloping areas and when driving behind or around trucks conveying petroleum products.
“I also urge motorists to ensure that their vehicles are properly maintained.
“There is the need for routine checks of critical components, especially the braking systems, to prevent accidents,” he said.
Chiketa assured Awka residents that the situation had been brought under control, and advised them to be calm.
