A petrol fire explosion on Friday occurred in the commercial town of Onitsha, Anambra State.

The incident happened at about 8:30 am close to the popular Relief Market on Onitsha-Owerri road near Upper Iweka when a petrol tanker laden with petrol caught fire which spread to other areas.

Several shops and buildings around the scene were burnt in the process.

An eye Witness said the incident was caused by the articulated truck which broke down at the bad portion of the busy Onitsha-Owerri expressway.

The fire caused hours of serious traffic gridlock along the highway.

Men of the Fire Service from both Anambra and Delta states were quickly deployed to the area to put off the fire.

Police Public Relations Officer of the state command DSP Tochukwu Ikenga when contacted confirmed the incident.

He said: “Information reveals that the cause of the fire is as a result of a tanker carrying fuel by Obodoukwu junction along Onitsha river Owerri road fell.

He added “The situation is under control and is closely monitored. The Police and fire service are currently on ground there.”