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Raymond Ozoji, Awka
No fewer than 10 persons have been confirmed dead and many injured over a petrol tanker explosion in Amawbia axis of the Anambra state capital Awka.
The inferno which engulfed many vehicles and shops in the area yesterday about 8:30 pm, led to the destruction of properties worth millions of naira.
Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra state SP Haruna Mohammed who broke the news to newsmen in a Police/Media WhatsApp Goup Chat said about 8:30pm on Saturday night a Fuel Tanker, registration number yet unknown loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) while negotiating Amawbia roundabout in Awka lost control and fell sideway.
As a result, the tanker was engulfed by fire which affected many vehicles and shops in the area thereby destroying properties worth millions of naira.
He said Police patrol teams and other sister agencies mobilised to the scene, cordoned off the area to prevent looters from taking advantage of the situation to loot and also contacted fire Service department in the state.
According to him, the situation was brought under control, casualties were rushed to Spring hospital Amawbia for medical attention and efforts were being intensified by local volunteers and fire service personnel to put off the fire and clear obstructions.
The PPRO however noted that the number of casualties cannot be ascertained at the moment as rescue operation was still on going.
Mohammed maintained that the case was under investigation and effort was being intensified to get the truck driver arrested.
