[b]By Izunna Okafor[/b]



Tension gripped the denizens of Onitsha Niger Bridge and its environs on Wednesday morning, as a tanker laden with petrol crashed on the bidge, and spilled its contents.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Anambra State Sector Command, R.C. Pascal A. Anigbo.

He said the driver of the MACK petrol tanker, with the registration number NKR41XA was coming into Anambra from Delta State, but lost control when the vehicle's propeller pulled off, while the vehicle consequently hit the edge of the Niger Bridge Head, hanging on the protective side rail, thereby preventing it from tumbling over.

Confirming that none of the two male adults in the vehicle got injured, Mr. Anigbo noted that the Ag. Unit Commander FRSC Onitsha Unit Command, CRC Isaac O. Komolafe called the Fire Service, who responded immediately to salvage the situation, and further assured the FRSC Operatives had cordoned off the area and were managing the traffic.

Reacting, the Sector Commander Federal Road Safety Corps Anambra State, C C Andrew A. Kumapayi called on vehicle owners and drivers, especially articulated vehicles to always endeavour to ensure that their vehicles are in good working condition before embarking on any trip.

He further advised them to check and service their vehicles regularly to avoid unnecessary and preventable road traffic mishaps.

Men of the Fire Service were seen at the scene of the incident, diluting the spilled contents and the petrol tanker to prevent any mishap or fire outbreak.