A fatal petrol tanker explosion in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, has claimed one life and razed at least six shops, plunging residents into panic.
The incident occurred late Friday along Udoji Road, close to the Ekwusigo LGA Secretariat, after a tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit reportedly rammed into a car and a tricycle. The impact caused the tanker to spill its contents, sparking a massive fire.
Eyewitnesses who spoke to PUNCH Online on Sunday said the collision triggered a loud explosion that engulfed the tanker instantly and rapidly spread to nearby shops.
“The tanker hit a car and a tricycle before it exploded. One person was burnt beyond recognition immediately,” an eyewitness recounted.
“Some passengers inside the tricycle suffered serious burns and were rushed to the hospital. Before firefighters arrived, several shops were already up in flames.”
The resulting inferno lasted several hours, forcing motorists and pedestrians to flee as thick smoke filled the air.
The situation also caused a heavy traffic jam, prompting officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps to divert vehicles to alternative routes.
Emergency officials said the destruction could have been much worse without the swift intervention of firefighters.
Confirming the development, the Head of Media and Publicity for the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, said three fire trucks were dispatched immediately after the distress call was received.
“At about 5:45 pm on November 21, we received a report of a tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit that collided with a car and a tricycle along Udoji Road, Ozubulu,” Chiketa said.
“Our men responded with three fire trucks and were able to extinguish the fire, preventing it from spreading further. Unfortunately, we lost one life, and about six shops were affected.”
The incident adds to a growing number of fire outbreaks recorded in Anambra in recent months.
In March 2025, nine shops along Ziks Avenue in Fegge, Onitsha, were destroyed in a separate fire incident linked to a power surge.
