A horrific tanker explosion in Enugu State on Saturday claimed the lives of 18 people, leaving 13 others injured.
The devastating incident occurred at Ugwu Onyeama along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in Udi Local Government Area around 11:30 am.
The explosion was triggered when a fuel-laden tanker, descending a hill, collided with a water truck belonging to JUHEL Nigeria Limited.
The crash led to an intense fire that resulted in widespread panic.
According to Olusegun Ogungbemide, spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the crash involved 17 vehicles, including the petrol tanker, a water tanker, 15 cars, and a tricycle.
Preliminary reports revealed that the petrol tanker, which was carrying premium motor spirit, lost control after its brakes failed, causing the collision and the subsequent explosion.
Ogungbemide said, “A total of 31 people were involved in the crash. Ten were rescued with varying degrees of injury, while three escaped unhurt. Sadly, 18 victims were burnt beyond recognition.”
The rescue operation involved personnel from the police, the state fire service, the FRSC, and other security agencies. Traffic was diverted to ease movement, while efforts to clear the wreckage were underway.
This tragedy comes just weeks after another fatal tanker explosion in Niger State, which claimed 102 lives along the Dikko-Maje Road in Suleja Local Government Area.
Many people are still receiving treatment for severe burns, while several homes and shops were destroyed, causing significant financial losses.
In October 2024, a nearly identical explosion in Majiya, Jigawa State, killed more than 177 people.
Another similar incident occurred in September 2024 in Niger State, where 59 lives were lost after a fuel tanker collided with a passenger truck.
November saw another tanker explosion on the Kano-Maiduguri highway, claiming numerous lives.
Last December, a similar incident in Agbor, Delta State, killed at least five people and destroyed several homes and shops.
Just days ago, on January 14, 2025, a tanker explosion occurred on the Epe-Ijebu Ode expressway, adding to the growing list of deadly tanker-related accidents across the country.
