A devastating tanker explosion in Enugu State has left a trader, Emmanuel Nnwaji, with a heartbreaking story to tell. In a recent YouTube interview with investigative journalist Deji Lambo, Nnwaji recounted how 11 of his family members lost their lives in the tragic incident.
The accident occurred on January 25, 2025, when Nnwaji’s brother and his family were traveling to their father’s burial. Their vehicle, a 1998 Toyota Sienna, was hit from behind by a fuel tanker that had suffered a brake failure. The collision sparked a massive fire, engulfing the vehicle and its occupants.
Tragically, Nnwaji’s brother, his wife, six children, younger brother, boy servant, and maid all lost their lives in the inferno. The incident happened around 12:30 p.m. at the Ugwu Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with multiple vehicles, including private cars, commuter buses, and tankers, caught in the blaze. Families and children were reportedly burnt to ashes in the devastating fire.
Nnwaji’s story is a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of such tragedies and the importance of ensuring road safety to prevent such incidents.