No fewer than 15 persons lost their lives in a fuel tanker explosion at Ugwu Onyeama, near Ninth Mile Corner on Enugu – Onitsha Expressway on Saturday.
Eyewitnesses said the explosion occurred around 11:30 am when a fuel-laden tanker lost control while descending the notorious Miliken Hill apparently as a result of break failure and crashed into other vehicles on the road.
Eyewitness accounts reported that as the fuel tanker spilled its content a loud explosion occurred engulfing all the vehicles within the scene of the accident on the busy expressway.
Witnesses described the blast as devastating as it destroyed nearby vehicles and causing widespread panic.
Rescue efforts were hindered by the intensity of the fire, making it difficult for bystanders to access the scene.
Victims who were reportedly burnt beyond recognition are believed to be occupants of the vehicles caught in the inferno.
Authorities are yet to confirm the exact number of casualties or the cause of the explosion as investigations continue.
Men of Enugu state fire service later arrived the scene and were seen on a trending video putting out the inferno on the fallen fuel tanker.
Credible News recalls that last week a tanker exploded after crashing at Dikko Junction, Niger State, killing 77 people who had rushed to collect fuel from the scene, authorities say.
It exploded moments after people began scooping up fuel, killing dozens and leaving 25 others injured, including rescuers, officials said.
Fuel tanker explosions and accidents are common in the country – often caused by the poor state of roads and badly maintained vehicles.
Crediblenewsng.com
