Anambra Firefighters Avert Disaster as 45,000-Litre Diesel Tanker Overturns Along Awka Expressway

By Chibuzo Obidike | IchieTimes

A major disaster was averted along the Awka-Onitsha Expressway in Anambra State after firefighters successfully contained the hazards arising from the overturning of a 45,000-litre diesel tanker opposite the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) office.

The incident, involving a Shafa Petroleum tanker loaded with Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), occurred on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. A Toyota Sienna was also involved in the crash.

The State Chief Fire Officer, Engr. Chiketa Chukwudi, said preliminary findings suggested that the accident may have been caused by brake failure resulting from an air leak in the braking system.

According to him, the Anambra State Fire Service received a distress call at 1:08 p.m. and immediately deployed firefighters to the scene to prevent a possible fire outbreak.

He disclosed that the tanker’s cab sustained approximately 60 per cent structural damage, while its cargo compartment remained intact. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded.

Chukwudi said firefighters carried out continuous damping-down and hazard mitigation operations before supervising the safe transfer of the diesel into another tanker.

He added that the scene was secured and declared safe for traffic after the operation, with firefighters withdrawing at 5:56 p.m. following the successful completion of the exercise.

The fire chief urged motorists, particularly tanker operators, to prioritise regular vehicle maintenance and ensure that emergencies are promptly reported to the appropriate authorities.

The successful operation prevented a potentially serious incident involving a large quantity of diesel along one of Anambra’s major highways.