A catastrophic petrol tanker explosion on the Ugwu Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway claimed 18 lives yesterday, leaving many others injured and sparking widespread grief.
The incident, which occurred around 11:30 a.m., saw a fuel-laden tanker lose control, overturn, and ignite a massive fire that spread to six nearby vehicles and another tanker. The blaze left several victims burnt beyond recognition, while the chaos caused fear and panic among residents and travelers.
Witnesses said the tanker lost control due to brake failure while descending the steep road. The spill triggered an uncontrollable fire that made rescue efforts nearly impossible. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to save lives, but the destruction was overwhelming.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar took to social media to express his heartbreak, describing the frequent tanker explosions across the country as a national crisis. “Oh dear, not again! My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of all the victims of the fuel tanker explosion in Enugu State. May their souls find eternal rest,” Atiku wrote. He also urged the government to investigate and address the root causes of these recurring tragedies.
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah visited the site of the explosion to assess the damage and console victims’ families. He pledged immediate action, including providing medical care for survivors and implementing stricter safety measures for fuel tankers. “This tragedy could have been avoided. Preliminary findings indicate a brake failure caused the spill and subsequent fire,” Mbah said. “We will enforce the use of anti-spill locks on tankers and expedite repairs on this federal road to prevent such incidents.”
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander in Enugu, Franklin Agbakoba, confirmed the death toll at 18, with 11 people dying on the spot and others succumbing to injuries later. He commended Governor Mbah for his swift response and his commitment to covering medical expenses for the injured.
This heartbreaking event underscores the urgent need for improved road safety regulations and stricter enforcement of standards for fuel transport. With proper infrastructure and proactive measures, such tragedies can be prevented, sparing countless lives from senseless loss.
