By Linus Chima
Providence intervened Friday evening to avert what could have resulted in a major disaster in Agbarho, a town near Warri in Ughelli North Local Government Area after a burning petroleum tanker went up in flames but was successfully removed from harming anyone.
The driver of the tanker, Mr Ejiro Otaorigho, his father, Samuel as well as the owner of the tanker, Mr Chidiebere Ugo all appreciated God for intervening to avert the disaster.
People are however praising the driver for his heroic and brave action in driving the burning truck to safety.
What happened in Agbarho on Friday evening could best be described as a film director’s delight.
A burning petroleum truck zipped through the Agbarho axis of the popular road East-West road.
But, this time it was real as the driver rushed through the town for a safe ground to park the vehicle before it explodes.
Hundreds of people watched in awe and fear for the worst as the burning truck navigated its way towards the Agbarho Riverside.
People gave way, many brought out their phones to record, apprehensive for the worst with every ticking moment.
But, the explosion that would have claimed lives, destroyed houses, vehicles and other infrastructure did not happen.
Thanks to the bravery and courage displayed by the driver of the ruck, Ejiro Otaorigho.
Narrating what happened, Otaorigho said he had just offloaded the petrol in the tanker and was leaving the petrol station when he was alerted of fire emanating from the tanker.
According to him, he did a quick-thinking and decided to take the truck to a place where there will be minimal damage.
For him and many people, this was a classic movie case as in about twenty minutes the tanker had cleared several major streets and was settled by the Agbarho Riverside.
Otaorigho said he understood the enormous responsibility on his shoulder as he drove the burning tanker through the streets.
He explained that at any moment the residual petrol in the truck could have ignited killing him instantly and causing massive death and destruction adding that divine intervention saved the situation.
His sister, Mrs Caroline Uwanogho described her brother as a hero noting that providence was at work.
According to her, it was Saturday morning that she got to know what transpired the previous day and her thoughts were on the safety and well-being of her brother, Ejiro Otaorigho.
