Onitsha residents abandon homes, shops as another Petrol tanker falls

From Chuks Moses, Awka
Residents of Onitsha, the commercial nerve Centre of the South East geopolitical zone were this (Thursday) afternoon took to their heels, jolted by the report of the fall of another petrol tanker a little after the gate of the 302 Army Field Artillery barracks along the Enugu-Onitsha Federal dual carriage way.
Consequently, they ran out and away from their homes and shops fearing another fire outbreak even after they were reassured that the situation was calm and under control.
A statement from the state police command’s Public Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed who confirmed the mishap disclosed that the situation was under control.
According to him, officers of the command immediately took charge of the area, cordoning it off and stopping residents from moves to risk their lives and other by attempting to scoop the petroleum products.
He also confirmed that men of the state fire service who were immediately alerted and were now on ground to nip any fire outbreak in the bud.
The police statement equally warned citizens especially residents of the commercial city and environs to play safe and steer clear from the spot in order to prevent any disaster.
He added, “Meanwhile, Police patrol teams have cordoned off the Area and fire Service department was equally contacted to be on standby in order to prevent fire incident.”
Mohammed disclosed that the owners of the consignment and members of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) had arrived and evacuated the contents to another vehicle.