The commercial city of Onitsha in Anambra State in the afternoon of Wednesday, experienced horror as a tanker laden with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) exploded after the driver lost control of the vehicle in motion.

The vehicle which was enroute Asaba fell at Upper Iweka axis, along Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Onitsha and crashed inside a pavement in between the expressway and caught fire.

Following the crash the fire spilled over through the gutter and affected many shops and houses.

Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Haruna Mohammed said that the Commissioner of Police (CP) John B.Abang, visited the scene for on the spot assessment and appealed to the residents to remain calm adding that the state Fire Service department was equally contacted.

Meanwhile, a yet to be identified woman and her baby who were caught up in the inferno were burnt beyond recognition.

According to the PPRO, mother and child were rushed to Toronto Hospital where they were certified dead by a medical doctor while receiving treatment.

He added: “Police patrol teams have cordoned off the area to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage to loot while effort is still ongoing to put off the fire.

“The case is under investigation to ascertain circumstances surrounding the incident

The number of shops and houses affected by the fire could not be ascertained at the time of filling this report.”