By Ikechukwu Iweajunwa

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advised truck drivers to always be very careful when driving in urban areas to avoid accidents.

Mr Evans Ugoh, Head of Imo/Operations Office of the agency gave the advice on Wednesday at the scene of a tanker accident along Wetheral Road.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a tanker, fully loaded with 30,000 litres of fuel lost control along Wetheral Road, Owerri on Tuesday evening but was intercepted by the road barricade.

The tanker spilled fuel along the road, which caused panic within the capital city.

Motorists and business owners fled the area for safety.

The NEMA official, who spoke to newsmen, cautioned tanker drivers against over speeding, adding that the situation had been put under control.

“We have successfully trans-loaded the fuel into another tanker and no life was lost.

“When this incident happened yesterday, I mobilised the public safety unit in my office to join forces with the fire fighters to avert fire disaster.

“We kept vigil till today and have successfully concluded the operation, but there is need to monitor heavy duty drivers, especially in the metropolis,” he said.

Ugoh said motorists were advised to apply alternative routes to their destinations during the operation and commended the public for adhering to instructions.

The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Roland Onamusi told NAN that he mobilised his men to the scene to ease heavy traffic during the operation.

He also confirmed that the operation was successful with no life lost, but cautioned drivers against violation of traffic rules. (NAN)