The petrol tanker that exploded at Upper Iweka Road in Anambra State on Wednesday, ruining properties and lives in the process has been identified by the Police.
The fire, it was gathered, started in front of Toronto Hospital Onitsha, before it spread to Ochanga Market areaAlso, the police have confirmed the death of yet to be identified woman and her child following petrol tanker fire incident.
SP Haruna Mohammed, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state confirmed the death.
According to Mohammed said that the bodies of the unidentified woman and her baby, who were burnt beyond recognition by the inferno, had been deposited at the Toronto Hospital, Onitsha.
He said that the fire, which started at about 12:59 pm, occurred when a tanker carrying petroleum product lost control and fell around Upper Iweka area of Onitsha.
“The petroleum product later caught fire and affected many shops and houses,” he said.
The police spokesperson said that the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Mr John Abang, had visited the scene for on the spot assessment.
Haruna appealed to residents of Onitsha to remain calm while men of the Fire Service department combat the fire.
The PPRO said that consequent upon the unruly conduct of some street boys, the police patrol teams had cordoned off the area to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage to loot while efforts were still ongoing to put out the fire.
An eye witness said no fewer than four persons have so far died in the incident as the fire later spread to Ochanga Market, Onitsha.
At present, efforts are in place by the police and other related agencies to curtail the damages and also restrict hoodlums from taking advantage of the situation.
