AWKA, NIGERIA — A tanker transporting liquefied petroleum gas caught fire along a major expressway in Awka, the capital of Anambra State in southeastern Nigeria, causing severe traffic delays and panic among local residents on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The fire started in the engine cabin of the truck but was extinguished before it could reach the highly flammable gas payload.
The incident began late in the evening along the Awka to Enugu Expressway, near a local landmark known as the Women Development Centre. Okay News reports that the rapid response of local emergency teams prevented a major explosion in the densely populated area.
A local resident who operates a retail financial terminal nearby witnessed the event and described the chaotic scene. “The driver of the vehicle noticed thick smoke coming out from the engine cabin. As he tried to stop the vehicle, the smoke burst into flames and started spreading fast. The incident occurred at about 7 pm and caused serious panic, forcing residents and other road users to flee for safety to avoid potential danger, but fortunately, the firefighters arrived at the scene to prevent it from spreading to the gas sections.”
Chukwudi Chiketa, head of the Media and Publicity Unit for the Anambra State Fire Service, confirmed the details in a public statement released on Sunday, March 22, 2026. He noted that emergency operators received an alert at 7:27 pm West African Time (WAT, GMT+1) and immediately dispatched a team.
“The Anambra State Fire Service has successfully contained a fire outbreak involving an LPG tanker head (engine cabin) at Agu Awka, near the Women Development Centre, Awka, Anambra State. The distress call was received at exactly 1927 hours (7:27 pm), prompting an immediate response from fire service crew. Upon arrival, firefighters engaged the fire and prevented its spread to nearby properties, thereby averting a potentially hazardous situation.”
Chiketa added that early investigations point to a mechanical issue as the root cause. “Preliminary findings indicate that the fire was caused by an electrical spark. The affected tanker head was completely burnt; however, no other damages were recorded. Importantly, there was no loss of life in the incident.”
Firefighters remained at the location until 8:18 pm West African Time (WAT, GMT+1) to ensure the flames were entirely suppressed. Moving forward, authorities are asking commercial drivers to prioritize vehicle maintenance to avoid similar emergencies.
“The Anambra State Fire Service urges the public to remain vigilant, regularly maintain vehicle electrical systems, and promptly report fire emergencies to the nearest fire station. The Service remains committed to the protection of lives and property across the state,” the statement concluded.
