Matilda Omonaiye/
In a devastating incident today, a petrol tanker overturned on the Ugwu Onyama Federal Highway in Enugu State, igniting a massive fire that claimed the lives of at least 15 individuals and left several others injured.
The inferno also destroyed multiple vehicles, causing significant traffic disruptions in the area.
Eyewitnesses reported that the tanker, laden with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), lost control on the hilly terrain, resulting in a spill that quickly ignited. The ensuing blaze engulfed nearby vehicles, trapping occupants and reducing them to ashes.
“Over 10 people, including children, have been burnt beyond recognition,” recounted Eziechina, a fellow tanker driver at the scene. “Some have just been loaded in a pick-up van to the morgue now.”
This tragic event comes exactly one week after a similar catastrophe in Niger State, where a petrol tanker explosion near Dikko Junction claimed at least 98 lives and injured numerous others. In that incident, locals had gathered to scoop spilled fuel when it ignited, leading to a massive explosion that also destroyed over 20 shops.
The recent spate of tanker-related disasters has raised serious concerns about road safety and emergency response protocols in Nigeria. Between September 2024 and January 2025, over 265 lives have been lost to tanker explosions across the country.
In response, the federal government has established a committee comprising key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to investigate the root causes of these incidents and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.
In the wake of the Enugu tragedy, former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, expressed his condolences to the affected families and called for immediate action to enhance road safety. He emphasised the need for stringent safety measures, proper road maintenance, and public education on the dangers of approaching accident scenes.
“We must begin to truly prioritise the safety and security of lives and property by implementing measures that drastically mitigate the occurrence of these accidents,” Obi stated.
The Enugu State Emergency Management Agency (ENSEMA), in collaboration with NEMA and other relevant agencies, is currently conducting search, rescue, and recovery operations at the scene.
Injured victims have been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, while efforts are underway to identify and notify the families of the deceased.
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