Tanker fire: 2 killed, 3 injured in Ebonyi

BY PETER OKUTU

ABAKALIKI— NO fewer than two persons, weekend, lost their lives after a petrol tanker with registration number Cross River XA 574 Calabar, fell at Ntezi-Amuzu community, along Abakaliki-Afikpo expressway in Ebonyi State.

Three other persons who sustained in juries in the ensuing inferno are now receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.

Vanguard learnt that the tanker, which fell on Saturday at about 3:55pm, discharged all the products it was carrying into some compounds belonging to members of Ntezi-Amuzu community which sparked off fire that led to death of two persons and destruction of buildings and lockup shops worth million of naira.

When our correspondent visited the scene, it was gathered that the truck fell because of a bad spot along the expressway which was not properly marked with a road sign to enable commuters take alternative routes.

An eye-witness account revealed that since the incident occurred, the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, in the state is yet to arrive the scene.

Aside from the two persons that lost their lives following the incident, three others were admitted at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, FETHA where they are currently receiving treatment.

A member of the community, Mr. Chidi Nwele, said: “It started about 3:55pm on Saturday. When the tanker was just passing, along the line, it fell on the road and led to outbreak of fire. It destroyed two motorcycles, buildings and wounded three persons who are now receiving treatment in the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki.

“Two persons by name, Mrs. Margret Nworie and Mr. Felix of Ntezi-Amuzu community lost their lives because of the incident.”