A major fire outbreak occurred at Okeb Filling Station along the Awka–Onitsha Expressway by Amawbia/Enugwu-Agidi By-pass Flyover Junction over the weekend when a fuel tanker exploded while discharging petrol.

The inferno destroyed the station’s administrative block, machines, tools and vehicles.

The incident triggered panic as four private cars and three commercial vehicles in the queue sped off to safety.

Eyewitnesses said, curiously, a white Siena car with the bold inscription “Haba Agulu,” referencing a dreaded shrine in Agulu, escaped unscathed while vehicles beside it, including a tricycle and a bus, were gutted. No life was lost.

The blaze, which lasted three hours, was eventually contained by operatives of the Anambra State Fire Service. Their timely intervention prevented the flames from spreading to nearby buildings and small shops.

There was speculation that the fire may have started from part of the building, which houses a supermarket, but eyewitnesses insisted the explosion occurred as the tanker was discharging fuel into the underground tank.

An eyewitness, Chidi, praised the firefighters, noting that they risked the danger of the underground tanker catching fire to bring the inferno under control. He also commended sympathisers who joined efforts to stop the fire from spreading.

Confirming the incident, the Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, led by State Fire Chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, said two fire trucks and two crews were deployed to the scene following a distress call.

“The Anambra State Fire Service on Friday, September 5, 2025, successfully extinguished a fire outbreak at Okeb Filling Station, Amawbia, located along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway by the Amawbia Flyover,” Chiketa said. “After several coordinated efforts, the blaze was contained and prevented from spreading to nearby structures.”