Anambra State government bans the movement of petroleum tankers between dusk and dawn

ANAMBRA State government has announced a ban on the movement of fuel tankers during the daytime in response to the recent Onitsha accident that resulted in several deaths at the Ochanja Market.

Last week, a fuel tanker crashed into the busy market, spilling its contents into the drainage and causing a huge fire, killing at least three persons and destroying shops and goods worth millions of naira.  Another tanker accident occurred yesterday on the Onitsha/Enugu road but the fire service responded quickly and prevented the fuel from igniting.

In response to both accidents, the Anambra State government has decided to act, restricting the movement of petroleum tankers to night time. Information commissioner Don Adinuba, revealed that under the new regime, petroleum tankers are only allowed to move within the state from 8pm at night to 5am in the morning.

Mr Adinuba said: “Following the incessant collapse of trucks carrying petroleum products in Anambra State in recent times, including one which happened in Onitsha earlier, the Anambra State government has decided to restrict the time which vehicles laden with petroleum products can move in the state. With effect from Saturday, November 2, 2019, such vehicles can be allowed to move within Anambra State from only 8pm to 5am.

“This restriction is to enable agencies like the Anambra State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Civil Defence, the Anambra Traffic Management Agency and indeed all other security, law enforcement and safety agencies to respond effectively and in good time to emergencies created by such accidents."