Two die, 14 buses burnt, scores injured in Anambra fuel tanker accident

Two persons were reportedly killed while several others were injured in a tanker inferno at the Building Material Market in Ogidi( near Onitsha), in the Idemmili Local Government Area of Anambra State

No fewer than 14 buses and other properties were also burnt in the accident.

The incident which happened on Sunday night, it was gathered, came from a fallen tanker conveying inflammable content which fell into a ditch and sparked fire after spilling its content.

A resident of the area, Izichukwu Chima, who claimed to be at the scene, when the incident happened, said the tanker was stationed when another articulated vehicle rammed into it, following loss of control.

He said, “Several luxury buses parked around the area immediately went up in flames. Shops and buildings within the area were also not left out . The fire was too much that it was difficult for fire service personnel to battle with.

“Several people were wounded in the accident. I saw the security people carry two dead bodies into a Hilux truck. Many buses, shops and other buildings were gutted.

The Chief Fire Service Officer in the State, Martin Agbili confirmed the incident.

He said , “Two persons have been confirmed dead while 14 buses and other properties were lost to the inferno.
There those injured but I cannot ascertain their fate.

“The fire could have escalated to other parts of the area if not for the quick arrival of my men and assistance from other stations, including the one inside the market.

“Immediately we were alerted, I deployed my men who stormed the scene with five fire trucks to battle the fire which lasted for several hours.

“The buses affected in the incident where those within the area. We thank God we were able to contain the fire.

The state Police Public Relations Office, Ikenga Tochukwu also confirmed the incident.

Hesaid “our men have cordoned off the area presently, to avoid hoodlums taking advantage of the fire to loot.”