The Anambra State Police Command has launched a formal investigation into a fatal tanker explosion that occurred along Udoji Road in Ozubulu, close to the Ekwusigo Local Government Secretariat. The incident, which happened late Friday, resulted in the death of one person and the destruction of several roadside shops after a fuel-laden tanker burst into flames.
According to information gathered from residents and emergency agencies, the explosion was triggered by a collision involving the tanker, a private car, and a tricycle. The impact caused a massive fire that spread quickly before the arrival of state firefighters.
In a statement on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the investigation became necessary following the circulation of misleading social media posts claiming the explosion was the result of an armed attack. Ikenga dismissed the claims as false and warned individuals and groups against inciting fear through unverified information.
Eyewitnesses who spoke to our correspondent confirmed that the tanker was travelling through the busy road when it struck the two smaller vehicles. The resulting explosion caused panic across the area, creating heavy gridlock as motorists scrambled to exit the scene. Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps were forced to divert traffic to alternate routes to prevent further danger.
One resident explained that the fire intensified moments after the collision, engulfing nearby shops before the fire service arrived. “People were running everywhere because no one knew how far the fire would spread,” he said, noting that the blaze continued for several hours due to the tanker’s highly flammable load.
The Anambra State Fire Service later confirmed that three fire trucks were deployed immediately after receiving a distress call. Chukwudi Chiketa, Head of the Media and Publicity Unit, said the swift operation by firefighters helped contain the incident and prevented further structural damage. However, one tricycle rider caught in the impact zone was sadly confirmed dead, while at least six shops were destroyed.
Police authorities reiterated on Sunday that the explosion was entirely accidental. Ikenga emphasized that the public must avoid sharing unfounded claims that disturb public peace, adding that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered an inquiry to identify the originators of the misleading online posts.
The Command assured residents that both the crash investigation and the probe into the misinformation campaign are underway, stressing its commitment to maintaining safety and accurate public communication.
The state has experienced a number of fire-related incidents in recent months. Earlier in March, nine shops along Ziks Avenue in Onitsha were gutted in a separate fire attributed to an electrical power surge. Fire service personnel also responded to that incident promptly, preventing further damage.
Source:Africa Publicity
