By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Residents and passersby around the Agu Awka axis of the Anambra State capital were thrown into panic late Saturday night following yet another gas-related fire incident involving a fallen cooking gas tanker that suddenly went up in flames.
The incident, which occurred in the late hours of the day, saw the heavily-loaded gas truck crash along the ever-busy road and leak its highly inflammable contents, sparking a fire outbreak that lit up the vehicle and sent waves of fear across the vicinity.
However, thanks to the swift and professional intervention of the Anambra State Fire Service, the fire was promptly and successfully contained, preventing what could have turned into a major disaster with far-reaching consequences.
According to a series of real-time updates from the Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, the gas-laden truck had crashed and fallen at the location, causing leakage of the highly inflammable substance. This led to a fire outbreak which the firemen responded to immediately upon receiving the distress call, and which they also worked tirelessly to suppress and contain.
“HAPPENING NOW: Anambra State Fire Service intervention at Agu Awka. Fallen cooking gas tanker!” the Media Unit had earlier announced, as firefighters battled to suppress the flames and secure the scene.
As the situation progressed, the firefighters were seen in viral videos relentlessly combating the flames, ensuring the blaze was successfully extinguished and the area secured.
A later update provided further assurance of their success in extinguishing the fire: “JUST NOW: Still at Agu Awka Fallen Gas Truck, Anambra State Fire Service successfully contained the fire outbreak, and continues to dampen the truck to minimise heat and ensure no re-ignition. Glory be to God! More strength and courage to the Firefighters!”
Eyewitnesses and members of the public commended the firemen for their timely and fearless response and professional handling of the dangerous situation, noting that their quick action not only contained the fire but also averted potential loss of lives and property in the highly-populated area.
Even as the fire was fully extinguished Saturday night, firefighters continued damping operations on the truck to suppress residual heat and eliminate any possibility of re-ignition, as revealed in another official communication which read: “LIVE: Anambra State Fire Service still making effort to contain the incident at the scene of a fallen gas truck, at Agu Awka.”
While the immediate cause of the tanker’s crash is yet to be officially disclosed, it will be recalled a similar also explosion recently rocked at a part of the commercial city of Onitsha.
The Anambra State Fire Service, under the leadership of its Chief Fire Officer, Engr. Emmanuel Chukwudi Chiketa, continues to emphasize the importance of strict adherence to safety regulations and guidelines both by the general public and transporters, especially in handling or transporting inflammable substances.
As investigations begin into the latest incident, residents are urged to stay alert, report emergencies promptly, and avoid crowding around hazardous scenes, to enable first responders do their jobs effectively and safely.
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