Tanker overturns, causing traffic disruption on Onitsha-Awka-Enugu expressway

A 33,000-litre tanker carrying automated gas oil, otherwise known as diesel has fallen along the Onitsha-Awka-Enugu Expressway around the Army Gate, Onitsha, the commercial city of Anambra State.

The incident happened at about 7:05 am on Friday as the tanker driver was diverting into a filling station along the expressway.

It was gathered that the incident was caused by the truck driver’s loss of control, as the tanker had spilt some of its content to the ground before the arrival of the state fire service men.

The incident caused the Awka-bound lane to be condoned off while vehicles were diverted to the Onitsha-bound lane, thereby causing heavy traffic on the axis.

However, the danger was averted as men of the fire service who arrived on the scene with their truck and firefighters immediately sprayed the area with chemical foam compound to prevent a fire outbreak.

Although, some residents were seen scooping spilt diesel from the gutters while security operatives had a hectic time controlling and diverting traffic.

As of the time of filing this report, the resultant gridlock had extended from the Army Gate to the MCC axis of the expressway.

Confirming the incident, the State Fire chief, Chukwudi Chiketa said the incident happened at about 7:00 am, adding that firefighters have condoned and taken control of the scene.

He explained that the tanker was trying to discharge its content at the filling station beside the army gate’s fence when it suddenly started rolling backwards.

He said, “The driver, according to the owner, didn’t engage the hand break. Before you know it, it started to roll and the driver who tried to jump out sustained a head injury.

“He was immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention. The whole content was emptied. We thank God that no life was lost in the process.”

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps in the state, Mrs Margaret Onabe noted that the command had posted personnel to the scene to control traffic in the area.