By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Two persons have been confirmed dead while two others sustained injuries after a fully loaded diesel tanker reportedly suffered brake failure and crashed into another truck, triggering a fire outbreak along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in Awka, Anambra State.
According to a statement issued by the Anambra State Fire Service on Friday, the incident occurred at about 11:26pm on Thursday, August 20, 2026, in front of Jezco Fuel Station at Agu-Awka, throwing the area into panic as the tanker, belonging to Shafa Filling Station, became engulfed in flames following the collision.
The Fire Service said the second vehicle involved in the crash was a 911 truck loaded with bags of animal feed.
The firefighters were said to have been alerted to the incident and promptly mobilised personnel and firefighting equipment to the scene to prevent the fire from spreading and causing further damage.
The Fire Service said preliminary information indicated that the diesel tanker developed brake failure while on the road and subsequently collided with the 911 truck, resulting in the fire outbreak.
Two persons, however, died in the crash, while two others who sustained varying degrees of injuries were rescued and taken to hospital for medical attention.
The fire, which occurred directly in front of the filling station, also raised fears of a potentially larger disaster, given the presence of petroleum products and the proximity of the station to the accident scene. Firefighters consequently remained at the location to contain the situation and prevent further escalation.
Reacting, the Chief Fire Officer of Anambra State, Engr. Chiketa Chukwudi Emmanuel, who visited the scene, commended the firefighters for their prompt intervention and urged motorists, particularly operators of heavy-duty vehicles and tankers carrying petroleum products, to exercise extreme caution on the roads.
The Fire Chief stressed the need for drivers to be extra vigilant while approaching sloping areas and to ensure that their vehicles are in good mechanical condition before embarking on journeys.
The fire authority said the situation had been brought under control and urged residents and other road users in the area to remain calm.
The agency also renewed its warning to motorists and fleet operators on the importance of regular vehicle maintenance, especially the inspection of braking systems and other critical components, noting that mechanical failure in heavy-duty vehicles can have devastating consequences.
The latest incident comes as another reminder of the dangers posed by poorly maintained vehicles and the transportation of petroleum products on busy roads, particularly in built-up areas.
The Anambra State Fire Service therefore advised motorists to take preventive maintenance seriously, stressing that many road crashes and resulting fire disasters could be avoided through proper vehicle checks and responsible driving.
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