FRSC confirms 18 dead in Enugu petrol tanker explosion

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) reports that a petrol tanker exploded in Enugu State on Saturday, killing 18 people. The explosion rocked Ugwu Onyeama, along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, at about 11 a.m.

According to a Premium Times report, an eyewitness said that a tanker driver lost control while descending the hill and crashed into vehicles ahead.

“The tanker failed and the fuel (petrol) now poured out and caught fire,” the eyewitness said. “All the vehicles at the front and back of the tanker and people inside the vehicles were burnt.” He claimed that “About 100 people died.”

However, FRSC national spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide reports their team rescued 13 motorists: 10 suffered injuries while 3 escaped unharmed. “The flames burned 18 victims beyond recognition,” he said.

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Also, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State joined the rescue operation alongside his transport commissioner, Police Commissioner Kanayo Uzuegbu, and other officials including FRSC commanders and the State Security Service director.

Ogungbemide blamed brake failure for the crash, which involved 17 vehicles. “The tanker’s brakes failed, causing the driver to lose control and crash into 17 vehicles. The resulting fire destroyed 11 vehicles,” he explained.

FRSC teams diverted traffic to keep the route moving and continue to clear burnt vehicles. Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed urges drivers to use alternative routes and exercise caution.

Notably, the Ugwu Onyema section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway has seen frequent crashes in recent years. Many blame one lane’s poor condition for these accidents, which have killed hundreds and injured many more.