A petrol tanker explosion in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, has killed one person and destroyed at least six shops.
The incident happened late on Friday along Udoji Road, close to the Ekwusigo LGA Secretariat. Witnesses said the tanker collided with a car and a tricycle before it overturned and spilled petrol, which then went up in flames.
Residents told our correspondent on Sunday that the crash triggered a loud blast that spread fire across the area.
One eyewitness said, “The tanker hit a car and a tricycle, spilled its contents and then exploded. One person was burnt to death instantly. Some passengers in the tricycle sustained severe burns and were rushed to the hospital. Several shops were already on fire before the firefighters arrived.”
The fire caused panic, forcing motorists and pedestrians to abandon the road. Officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps moved in to divert traffic to safer routes.
Emergency officials said the situation would have been worse without the quick arrival of firefighters.
Confirming the incident, the Head of Media and Publicity of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, said three trucks were deployed after the distress call came in around 5:45 p.m.
He said, “Anambra State Fire Service, on November 21, 2025, at 17:45hrs, received a distress call reporting a fire outbreak involving a tanker laden with Premium Motor Spirit at Udoji Road, Ozubulu, near the Ekwusigo Local Government Secretariat.
“The tanker had collided with a car and a tricycle, resulting in a severe fire outbreak. Upon receiving the call, the Anambra State Fire Service immediately deployed three firefighting trucks to the scene.
“The gallant firefighters responded promptly and, through their expertise and professionalism, successfully extinguished the fire, preventing further spread and minimising damage to surrounding properties. Sadly, one life was lost, and approximately six shops were affected by the fire.”
The blast adds to the rising number of fire incidents across Anambra this year. In March, about nine shops along Ziks Avenue in Fegge, Onitsha, were destroyed after a power surge sparked another major fire.
