By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State Fire Service in the late hours of Saturday, May 24, 2025 averted what would have resulted in total disaster following a gas-related fire incident involving a fallen cooking gas tanker that suddenly went up in flames.

According to updates from the Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, the gas-laden truck had crashed and fallen at the Agu-Awka area of the capital city causing leakage of the highly inflammable substance.

This subsequently led to a fire outbreak which the firemen responded to swiftly upon receipt of distress call.

In the course of the raging inferno, residents and passersby around the area were thrown into panic.

The incident, which occurred in the late hours of Saturday saw the heavily-loaded gas truck crash along the ever-busy road and leak its highly inflammable contents, sparking a fire outbreak that lit up the vehicle.

As the situation progressed, the firefighters were seen in viral videos struggling relentlessly to quell the fire, ensuring it was successfully extinguished and the area secured.

A later update provided further assurance of fxtinguishing the fire: It said, ?JUST NOW: Still at Agu Awka Fallen Gas Truck, Anambra State Fire Service successfully contained the fire outbreak, and continues to dampen the truck to minimise heat and ensure no re-ignition. Glory be to God! More strength and courage to the Firefighters!?

Eyewitnesses and members of the public commended the firemen for their timely and fearless response and professional handling of the dangerous situation, noting that their quick action not only contained the fire but also averted potential loss of lives and property in the highly-populated area.

Even as the fire was fully extinguished Saturday night, firefighters continued damping operations on the truck to suppress residual heat and eliminate any possibility of re-ignition, as revealed in another official communication which read: ?LIVE: Anambra State Fire Service still making effort to contain the incident at the scene of a fallen gas truck, at Agu Awka.?

While the immediate cause of the tanker?s crash is yet to be officially disclosed, it will be recalled a similar also explosion recently rocked at a part of the commercial city of Onitsha.

The Anambra State Fire Service, under the leadership of its Chief Fire Officer, Engr. Emmanuel Chukwudi Chiketa have constantly harped the importance of strict adherence to safety regulations and guidelines both by the general public and transporters, especially in handling or transporting inflammable substances.