No fewer than 18 people have been killed and 13 injured when a tanker exploded at Ugwu Onyeama, along the Enugu-Onitsha Motorway, on Saturday.
Around 11:30 a.m., a fuel-laden tanker collided with a JUHEL Nigeria Limited water truck as it descended a slope, resulting in an explosion that sparked widespread panic.
Olusegun Ogungbemide, spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps, said in a statement on Saturday that the incident included 17 vehicles, including a petrol tanker, a water tanker, 15 cars, and a tricycle.
According to preliminary FRSC reports, the petrol truck carrying premium motor spirit lost control after its brakes failed, resulting in a collision and a fire.
Ogungbemide said, “A total of 31 people were involved in the crash. Ten were rescued with varying degrees of injury, while three escaped unscathed. Unfortunately, the remaining 18 victims were burnt beyond recognition.
“The tanker experienced brake failure, and the driver lost control, leading to a collision with 17 vehicles,” the statement read.
Chronicle NG gathered that the rescue operation involved policemen, men of the state fire service, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and other security agencies.
According to eyewitnesses, the petrol truck spilt its contents across the road, coating more than 17 electric poles.
Our journalists reported that the resulting fire spread quickly, devouring everything in its path.
Chronicle NG discovered that some of the fatalities were travellers who had come for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations and were on their way back to their bases when disaster struck.
An eyewitness, named only as Anthony, described the explosion as devastating and urged the federal government to emphasise railway networks and pipelines for delivering petrol and other dangerous substances.
“Enough is enough. This tanker delivery system is a disaster waiting to happen every day. It’s not working for us anymore,” Anthony said.
A Toyota Camry, two Sienna buses, a tricycle, a Lexus SUV, a commuter bus, a minibus, an L300 bus, a low-bed truck carrying an excavator, and a Mack trailer truck were among the vehicles involved in the tanker fire.
The National Emergency Management Agency sent a response team to the Enugu-Onitsha Motorway to assess the situation.
Manzo Ezekiel, NEMA’s Head of Media and Public Relations, confirmed the incident on Sunday.
Ezekiel said, “This tragic tanker fire explosion underscores the importance of our sensitisation campaigns on the safe transportation of petroleum products.
“Our officers from the Enugu office have been dispatched to the scene to assess the immediate needs and provide support.”
He underlined the risks of delivering fuel by tanker and encouraged stakeholders to implement strong safety precautions.
“This incident, reportedly caused by a tire explosion, highlights the dangers of handling flammable substances carelessly. While this case wasn’t linked to fuel scooping, we must continue educating operators and the public on these risks,” he added.
