A deadly tanker explosion along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in Awka, Anambra State, has claimed two lives and injured two others after a diesel tanker caught fire following a collision.
Two people have died and two others sustained injuries after a diesel tanker exploded and caught fire along the Agu-Awka axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in Awka, Anambra State.
The fatal incident occurred at about 11:26 p.m. on Thursday when the fully loaded tanker was involved in a collision with a truck conveying bags of animal feed.
Current reports indicate that the tanker suffered a mechanical problem, reportedly involving its braking system, before hitting a barricade associated with ongoing road construction and catching fire. The resulting blaze led to an explosion.
The Chief Fire Officer of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, who was at the scene, confirmed the casualties and said two other victims were rescued and taken to a hospital for medical treatment.
Chiketa said the Fire Service received a distress call and immediately deployed firefighters and equipment to the scene to contain the inferno and prevent it from spreading.
Firefighters battled the blaze and subsequently brought the situation under control, while emergency personnel continued operations around the accident scene.
The incident occurred along one of the major transportation corridors in Anambra, where heavy-duty vehicles and petroleum tankers frequently operate.
Chiketa commended the firefighters for their prompt response and urged motorists and other road users to exercise extreme caution, particularly when approaching sloping sections of the road or driving behind and around tankers conveying petroleum products.
He also advised vehicle owners and operators to ensure that their vehicles are properly maintained and subjected to routine safety checks.
According to the Fire Chief, particular attention should be paid to critical components such as braking systems, especially on heavy-duty vehicles, to reduce the risk of preventable crashes.
The latest incident comes only days after firefighters responded to another tanker accident at Agu Awka Junction, where a petroleum tanker overturned and spilled its contents but was prevented from catching fire through the prompt intervention of the Anambra State Fire Service.
The recurrence of tanker-related incidents along the Awka axis has renewed concerns about vehicle maintenance, road conditions and the safe movement of petroleum products on major highways.
Chiketa assured residents of Awka that the latest situation had been brought under control and urged the public to remain calm while emergency agencies completed their response operations.
Authorities continue to urge motorists, particularly operators of tankers and other articulated vehicles, to observe safety regulations and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy to prevent further loss of lives.
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