…the truck was speeding before it veered off the road, crashed through a fence, and caught fire.
ANAMBRA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Truck rams into St. Matthias Catholic Church in Agulu, sparking panic after bursting into flames along Agulu Lake–Golden Tulip Hotel Road in Anaocha LGA of Anambra State.
The incident, which occurred late on Wednesday, reportedly led to heavy traffic as efforts were made to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further.
An eyewitness, who identified himself simply as Uzor, said the truck was speeding before it veered off the road, crashed through a fence, and caught fire.
Despite the severity of the crash, no casualties or injuries were recorded, as people who had gathered nearby had dispersed before the incident. The driver, however, fled the scene immediately after the accident.
“The lorry was at high speed and lost control on the sloping road, crashing into the church and igniting a fire. Fortunately, no one was hurt because those around had already left before it happened,” the witness said.
He added that the situation caused panic and traffic congestion as first responders battled to control the flames before the arrival of firefighters, forcing motorists to slow down.
Confirming the incident on Thursday, the Anambra State Fire Service, through its Media and Publicity Unit led by Chukwudi Chiketa, blamed the accident on excessive speed and loss of control.
Chiketa said a fire crew responded promptly to the distress call and successfully contained the blaze, preventing further damage before withdrawing from the scene.
He also disclosed that another fire outbreak occurred the same day at Climax Industry Limited on Nnanka Street, Oduma Layout, Obosi, in Idemili North LGA.
According to him, the fire, reported in the early hours of Wednesday, drew a swift response from firefighters from Ogidi and Okpoko stations, who managed to contain it and stop it from spreading to nearby structures.
Firefighters remained at the scene for several hours to ensure the fire was completely extinguished, while the cause of the incident is still under investigation.
Chiketa urged residents and business owners to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to fire safety measures, stressing the importance of promptly reporting fire outbreaks to enable quick response and minimise damage.
He also recalled a March 9 road accident at New Castle Bus Stop, inward Gbagada, along the Oworonsoki-Apapa Expressway in Lagos, where one woman died and six others were seriously injured.
