At least 11 people lost their lives on Saturday when a petrol-laden tanker exploded along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway after suffering brake failure.
The tanker overturned, spilling its contents and triggering a devastating explosion. Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, expressed profound sadness during an on-the-spot assessment of the scene. He assured that those injured were receiving medical care and pledged measures to prevent future incidents, including stricter road rule enforcement and repairs to the damaged federal road.
Governor Mbah urged the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and the State Transport Commissioner to ensure that all tankers transporting inflammable substances in the state are equipped with anti-spill locks.
The FRSC Sector Commander, Franklin Agbakoba, attributed the accident to brake failure. He confirmed that 11 people died at the scene, while the injured were rushed to hospital for treatment.
Tanker explosions have become tragically common in Nigeria amid the country’s ongoing economic crisis, which has seen petrol prices surge over fivefold since mid-2023, leaving many struggling to access fuel.