Residents and commuters deserted the Asaba-Onitsha expressway Tuesday evening following a terrifying incident involving a fuel tanker that overturned and began leaking fuel.
The crash, which occurred near the Ezenei axis in Asaba, Delta State, has once again raised concern about the worsening condition of the major highway connecting Delta to Anambra State.
Eyewitnesses say the incident happened around 7 p.m. and triggered chaos as fuel gushed from the fallen tanker, flowing into nearby drains including the Ajaji (Bonsac) gutter.
Many residents and passersby fled the area fearing an explosion, as the strong smell of petrol spread across the neighborhood.
Security personnel and fire service officials swiftly responded to the emergency.
Officers from the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Fire Service quickly cordoned off the area and remained at the scene throughout the night to prevent any outbreak of fire or unlawful fuel scooping. Water tankers were also deployed to dilute the spilled fuel and reduce the risk of ignition.
By Wednesday morning, the fuel tanker remained on the road, causing a major traffic jam and slowing movement along the ever-busy expressway. Residents and motorists remained on edge despite the containment efforts, with many still afraid that a fire could erupt if proper steps weren’t taken.
