At least two persons were killed and one other injured on Sunday after a petrol-laden tanker exploded along the Ihiala area of the Onitsha–Owerri Road, Anambra State.
The incident occurred opposite the office of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) at about 9:30 am, causing panic among motorists and residents.
Eyewitnesses reported that the tanker, reportedly travelling at high speed, lost control, rammed into a roadside barricade, and spilled its contents before bursting into flames.
The inferno was said to have spread to a motorcycle trailing the tanker.
“Immediately after the crash, the tanker exploded with a loud bang and caught fire,” an eyewitness said. “The driver and his conductor were burnt to death on the spot, while the motorcycle rider sustained injuries and was rushed to the hospital.”
The explosion caused traffic in the vicinity, with intense flames and smoke engulfing the road before rescue responders arrived.
Margaret Onabe, the Sector Public Education Officer of the FRSC, Anambra State Command, confirmed the occurrence, stating that the crash included a commercial tanker and a motorcycle, both without registration numbers.
“A fatal road traffic crash was recorded today, February 8, 2026, opposite the FRSC office in Ihiala,” she said in a statement.
“The probable cause of the crash was speed and loss of control. The tanker crashed into a barricade, spilled its contents, and exploded, affecting the motorcycle following behind.”
Onabe stated that three male adults were involved in the crash.
“Two male adults—the tanker driver and his conductor—were killed, while one injured victim was rescued and taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala,” she added.
She stated that the FRSC rescue squad notified the fire service, and both organizations collaborated to extinguish the fire.
Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, the Sector Commander, expressed her condolences to the victims’ families and advised motorists to follow speed limits and drive cautiously.
“Drive to stay alive. Safety is everyone’s business,” she advised.
