A tragic tanker explosion in Enugu State has claimed the lives of at least 20 people, including three children.
The incident occurred on Saturday, just two weeks after a similar tanker disaster in Niger State that killed nearly 90 people, prompting renewed concerns over tanker safety and frequent accidents.
The fire erupted at around 11 a.m. at Ugwu Onyeama along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
According to eyewitnesses, the tanker lost control while descending a hilly section of the road, colliding with several vehicles before spilling its contents, leading to a massive explosion.
Sunday Ugwumba, a bus driver who witnessed the accident, described the horrific scene, saying, “The tanker failed, spilling fuel that ignited a fire. All the vehicles around it, along with the people inside, were consumed by the flames.”
Local residents blame the accident on the poor condition of the road.
One eyewitness pointed out that the single-lane road forces heavy trucks to share the space with smaller vehicles, which increases the risk of such devastating crashes.
“We urge the government to repair the road immediately to prevent more tragedies and ensure the safety of road users,” the eyewitness said.
Christian, another resident, expressed concern over the ongoing loss of lives, saying, “This road has claimed many lives. We call on the government to urgently fix it.”
The incident has sparked public outcry, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the causes of the crash and previous accidents in order to prevent further disasters.
More Than 200 Survivors Receiving Treatment:
Reports indicate that over 200 people injured in the explosion are currently receiving medical care at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane.
While some victims with minor burns have been discharged, others with more severe injuries remain hospitalized.
Ebube Ugwu, a relative of one of the victims, described how her sister and friends, along with their children, were trapped in their vehicle, a Lexus, during the accident.
FRSC Confirms Death Toll and Rescue Efforts:
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that 18 people died in the incident. FRSC national spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide reported that, as of Saturday night, the FRSC team had rescued 13 motorists from the blaze.
“A total of 31 people were involved in the crash. Ten were rescued with various degrees of injury, three were unharmed, and sadly, 18 others were burnt beyond recognition,” Ogungbemide said.
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, along with the state’s transport commissioner, police commissioner Kanayo Uzuegbu, and officials from the FRSC, were involved in the rescue efforts.
Ogungbemide attributed the cause of the crash to brake failure, stating that 17 vehicles were involved in the incident.
President Tinubu Offers Condolences:
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed his condolences to the government and people of Enugu State over the tanker explosion.
In a statement issued by his media aide, the president called for greater caution and adherence to safety measures among road users, particularly tanker operators, to prevent further accidents.
