By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Many shops as well as an electric transformer were on Wednesday night gutted by fire when a driver driving a diesel-ladden tanker lost control while descending a slope towards Nise/Amawbia road in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The tanker crashed near a petrol station before igniting fire.

According to an eye witness account, the spillage from the truck spread to the transformer and the nearby roadside shops before it all went up in flames.

Meanwhile, no fewer than 13 persons have sustained varying degrees of injury in another road accident at Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.

The accident, which occurred along Ihiala-Onitsha road, involved a white Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota sienna Space bus.

The State Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Andrew Kumapayi, while confirming the incident said no life was lost in both accidents.

He said that both the driver and his conductor who sustained minor injuries, and other victims of the bus collision were rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

“On Wednesday night, a diesel laden tanker without a registration number crashed at Agulu town close to Owo filling station while descending towards Nise/Amawbia road.

“Combined team of FRSC and NPF who were on ground barricaded the crash scene to divert traffic while the men of the State Fire Service extinguished the inferno.”

“I advise truck drivers to embark on regular maintenance of vehicles and to drive with absolute concentration,” Kumapayi said.

While urging commercial drivers to observe at least 15 minutes rest after every four hours of drive to avoid fatigue, he wished the victims quick recovery.

He also called on motorists to adhere strictly to traffic regulations and to abide by speed limits and lane discipline.