A fully loaded lorry crashed inton the St. Matthias Catholic Church, Agulu, located along Agulu Lake-Golden Tulip Hotel Road, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, and immediately caught fire.
It was gathered that the incident, which occurred late on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, caused gridlock where rescue efforts were being made to quench the fire from escalating.
The lorry was reportedly on full speed when it veered across the road and crashed the fence of a building, thereby igniting fire.
Although no life was lost and no one was injured, the driver of the truck escaped from the scene immediately after the crash.
The Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, led by Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed the development. Chiketa attributed the accident to speeding and loss of control.
“A fire incident occurred yesterday, at St. Matthias Catholic Church, Agulu, located along Agulu Lake–Golden Tulip Hotel Road, following a road accident involving a heavy-duty lorry,” he said.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the lorry lost control, veered off the road, and crashed into the church premises, subsequently igniting a fire outbreak.
“A crew of Firemen from the Anambra State Fire Service responded promptly to the distress call and successfully brought the situation under control, effectively contained the fire and prevented further escalation. Operations at the scene have been concluded, and Firemen safely withdrew to the station.”
He also disclosed that similarly, a fire incident occurred at Climax Industry Limited, located at Nnanka Street, Oduma Layout, Obosi, Idemili North LGA of the state.
According to him, the inferno, which occurred on Wednesday, prompted an immediate response from firefighters, with personnel from both Ogidi and Okpoko Fire Stations mobilising to the scene
