No fewer than 11 people have been confirmed dead following Saturday’s fuel tanker explosion at Ugwu Onyeama axis, near Ninth Mile Corner on the Enugu – Onitsha Expressway.
Eyewitnesses reported that the explosion occurred around 11:30 am when the fuel-laden tanker lost control while descending the hill, probably due to brake failure, and crashed into several vehicles on the road with a loud explosion.
Officials at the scene say investigations into the incident are ongoing.
While casualty figures are yet to be finalized, initial reports suggest that between 11 and 17 people lost their lives in the explosion as survivors were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.
The State Governor, Peter Mbah has already visited the scene of the accident where he met some family members of the victims and assured them of government’s support during this difficult time.
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Accidents along the hilly Ugwu Onyeama section of the road have become frequent, largely due to the poor state of the road as only one side of the dual carriageway has been repaired, forcing all traffic onto a single lane.
Governor Mbah pledged that the State government would take immediate action to address the issue rather than wait for the intervention of federal authorities.
The Enugu tragedy saw thick, dark smoke billowing into the sky, signaling yet another tanker explosion in the country.
(Editor: Okechukwu Eze)
