A tanker explosion on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway killed 18, with many injured. Atiku Abubakar and Governor Peter Mbah express grief, while the government pledges action to prevent future incidents. Brake failure is cited as the cause, emphasizing the need for stricter safety measures and road repairs.
A tragic fuel tanker explosion along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, near the Ugwu Onyeama area, resulted in the deaths of 18 people on January 25, 2025. The incident occurred around 11:30 am when a fuel-laden tanker veered off the road while navigating a hilly section, overturned, and exploded. The fire spread rapidly, engulfing another tanker and six vehicles. Rescue teams faced significant challenges due to the intensity of the flames, which left many victims severely burned and unidentifiable.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed deep sorrow on social media, offering condolences to the victims' families. He described the recurring incidents of tanker explosions across the country as a national crisis and called for urgent action from the government to address the issue.
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah visited the scene of the explosion, pledging to support the victims' families and ensure medical treatment for the survivors. He also revealed preliminary findings suggesting brake failure as the cause of the accident and announced plans to introduce measures to prevent similar occurrences. These include mandating anti-spill locks on tankers and repairing the hazardous sections of the federal road.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that 11 people died at the scene, with others rushed to nearby hospitals. The explosion underscores the need for improved safety protocols, better infrastructure, and stricter regulations on tanker operations to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.
