Petrol-laden tanker at the Irete area by Forte Oil Filling Station has today exploded on the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State killing one person and causing panic in the area.

Although the cause of the explosion was yet to be ascertained, it was gathered that the driver of the tanker and a woman, who were on their way back from a nearby market was involved in the explosion while many others were injured.

An eye witness, Kingsley Eke, hinted newsmen that if not for the timely intervention of the men of the state fire service, the explosion would have wrecked more havoc as he said:

“The incident would have been more disastrous but for the prompt arrival of firefighters. It is unfortunate that we lost two persons in the fire – the driver and a woman. Others have been rushed to a hospital.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Orlando Ikeokwu, who however confirmed the incident, said he could only confirm one death as of the time he was contacted.