There was panic in Owerri, the Imo state capital, on Wednesday, when residents started scooping diesel from a tanker that fell on the Control Post Roundabout in front of the Assumpta Archdiocese Catholic Cathedral.
Officials of the state government, fire service, Federal Road Safety Corps and the police responded to the scene.
The team, led by a government official, identified as Ugochukwu Nzekwe, cordoned off the area after dispersing residents who were scooping the diesel.
Our correspondent, who visited the scene, observed as emergency management workers brought a towing vehicle to take away the fallen tanker from the road.
Traffic wardens were also seen controlling traffic as economic activities resumed.
Nzekwe told journalists that the swift response of the state government averted tragedy.
He also called on motorists to take alternative routes.
Copyright PUNCH
