Chinedum Treasure
Anambra State Fire Service has urged motorists and the public to exercise extreme caution around accident scenes involving petroleum tankers and other hazardous materials in the state.
State Fire Chief, Chukwudi Chiketa made the call following an accident involving a fully loaded petroleum tanker that fell at Agu Awka Junction, beside the Revenue Office, along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, Awka.
He said the tanker had overturned, sustaining damage to some parts and resulting in the spillage of its contents on the roadway.
According to Chiketa, no fire outbreak nor casualties were recorded in the incident as fire fighters responded promptly.
He said, “Anambra State Fire Service received the distress call at about 2230 hours, reporting that a patrol tanker had been involved in a road accident and overturned at the location.
“Fire service crew were immediately deployed to the scene to assess the situation, secure the area and prevent any possible fire outbreak or secondary hazard arising from the incident.
“Upon arrival, it was established that the tanker had overturned following the road accident, sustaining damage to some parts and resulting in the spillage of its contents onto the roadway. However, there was no fire outbreak.
“The exact carrying capacity of the tanker could not be ascertained at the scene. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were recorded.
“The responding fire service crew secured the area and took necessary safety measures to control the situation and prevent a possible fire outbreak, particularly given the hazardous nature of the spilled contents.
“The situation was brought under control, and the scene remained secured until the Fire Service crew withdrew at about 2345 hours.
“The Anambra State Fire Service continues to urge motorists and members of the public to exercise extreme caution around accident scenes involving petroleum tankers and other hazardous materials and to immediately alert the Fire Service in the event of any emergency.”
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