Many commuters are feared dead, and eight vehicles were destroyed in a tragic explosion after a fuel-laden tanker fell and erupted in flames on the Ugwu-Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway on Saturday.
Okwudili Ohaa, Director of the Enugu State Fire Service, confirmed the incident to journalists in Enugu.
Mr. Ohaa reported that firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze, which raged for over an hour. However, the exact number of casualties remains uncertain, as the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and other security agencies work to recover the charred bodies of victims.
“About eight vehicles were burnt, and numerous road users who had to flee the scene are likely to have sustained injuries,” he said.
According to Ohaa, the tanker, which was suspected to be carrying petroleum, overturned and exploded in flames around 11:30 a.m. Firefighters from the 9th Mile Station rushed to the scene but were initially overwhelmed by the scale of the blaze. Reinforcements from the Ogui Road and Government House Fire Stations were dispatched to assist.
“It took the combined efforts of 10 skilled and dedicated firefighters to bring the fire under control before other paramilitary personnel arrived to evacuate the bodies and rescue the injured for medical attention,” he added.
The chief fire officer also expressed gratitude to the public for their prompt alert, which helped minimize further damage.
Witnesses described the explosion as catastrophic, with nearby vehicles incinerated and widespread panic among commuters. Initial rescue efforts were hampered by the intensity of the fire and thick, choking smoke, making it nearly impossible for bystanders to approach until the firefighters gained control of the blaze.
Some victims and vehicles were reportedly burnt beyond recognition, further intensifying the tragedy.
NAN
