Tragic incident occurred in Enugu State on Saturday when a tanker exploded at Ugwu Onyeama, along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, in the Udi Local Government Area, killing at least 18 persons and injuring 13 more.
IREPORT247NEW reported earlier that a petrol tanker exploded in Enugu, killing many people.
Around 11.30 a.m., a fuel-laden tanker was descending a slope when it struck a JUHEL Nigeria Limited water truck, causing an explosion that sent shockwaves through the community.
In a statement released on Saturday, Federal Road Safety Corps spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide said that 17 vehicles were involved in the collision, including a tricycle, 15 cars, a water tanker, and a gasoline tanker.
The fuel truck carrying premium motor spirit lost control after its brakes failed, causing a collision that led to a fire incident, according to the FRSC’s first reports.
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.
Police officers, members of the Federal Road Safety Corps, state firemen, and other security personnel participated in the rescue effort.
While efforts were being made to evacuate the wreckage, traffic was rerouted to facilitate movement.
The gasoline truck spilled its contents along the road, coating more than 17 power poles, according to witnesses. Everything in its path was consumed by the resulting fire, which spread quickly.
Travelers who were returning to their bases after visiting for Christmas and New Year’s festivities were among the victims.
Rescue efforts were hampered by the fire’s severity, making it challenging to save the people trapped in the vehicles, according to on-scene sympathizers.
A Toyota Camry, two Sienna buses, a tricycle, a Lexus SUV, a commuter bus, a minibus, an L300 bus, a low-bed truck with an excavator, and a Mack trailer truck were among the vehicles they cited as being involved in the tanker fire.
A reaction team has been sent to the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway to evaluate the situation, according to the National Emergency Management Agency.
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 sensitization 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 emphasized the dangers of employing tankers to transport petroleum and asked all parties involved to implement strict safety protocols.
“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.
Shehu Mohammed, the Corps Marshal, sent his sympathies to the victims’ families and wished the injured a quick recovery.
Additionally, he advised drivers to be cautious, especially when using alternate routes.