Enugu: Tanker fire wreaks havoc as 18 killed, vehicles burnt
Tragedy struck in Enugu State on Saturday when no fewer than 18 people were burnt to death and 13 others injured in a tanker explosion at Ugwu Onyeama, along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, in the Udi Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred around 11.30am when a fuel-laden tanker while descending a hill collided with a water truck belonging to JUHEL Nigeria Limited, triggering an explosion that caused widespread panic.
A spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps, Olusegun Ogungbemide, in a statement on Saturday, said the crash involved 17 vehicles, including a petrol tanker, a water tanker, 15 cars, and a tricycle.
According to preliminary reports by the FRSC, the petrol tanker, laden with premium motor spirit, lost control after its brakes failed, resulting in a collision that triggered a fire incident.
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.
The rescue operation involved policemen, men of the state fire service, Federal Road Safety Corps, and other security agencies.
The National Emergency Management Agency said it had deployed a response team to the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway to assess the situation.
The Head of Media and Public Relations of NEMA, Manzo Ezekiel, confirmed the development.
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 emphasised the risks associated with transporting fuel using tankers and urged stakeholders to adopt stringent safety measures.
“This incident, reportedly caused by a tyre 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.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured speedy recovery.
He also urged motorists to exercise caution, particularly when navigating alternative routes.
Credit – punch
