The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed that the death toll from the recent tanker explosion at the Ugwu-Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway has risen to 23, following the deaths of two more victims in hospital.
The Enugu State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Franklin Agbakoba, revealed this development in Enugu on Tuesday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He disclosed that the two deceased victims, both female, had been receiving treatment at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, and the National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu, but unfortunately did not survive.
The tragic incident, which occurred on January 25 at approximately 11:30 a.m., was caused by brake failure in a fuel-laden tanker, leading to an explosion. Initial reports confirmed 11 fatalities at the scene before emergency responders arrived.
Over the following days, the death toll climbed to 18, then 21, and has now reached 23.
According to Agbakoba, among the five victims admitted to UNTH, one died at the end of the month, while another remains under medical care.
He further noted that three members of the same family, who were being treated at UNTH, chose to discharge themselves against medical advice and opted for traditional treatment at home.
At ESUTH Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, three female victims are still receiving treatment, while two others have been referred to the National Orthopedic Hospital due to severe burns.
Meanwhile, of the three victims initially admitted to the National Orthopedic Hospital, one has passed away.
Another patient referred from ESUTH has joined the remaining two survivors, while another referral from ESUTH reportedly failed to report to the orthopedic hospital for treatment.
Agbakoba previously reported that the explosion involved 44 people, as well as 16 vehicles both private and commercial and a commercial tricycle.
A total of 23 people sustained injuries, including eight males and 15 females, and were rushed to various government hospitals for medical attention.
