Enugu, Nigeria — A devastating explosion occurred Saturday after a gasoline-filled tanker lost control and collided with multiple vehicles on the Enugu-Onitsha expressway in central Nigeria, leaving at least 18 people dead and ten injured, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). Rescue teams at the scene described the victims as being “burnt beyond recognition.”
The incident unfolded when the tanker, brimming with gasoline, veered off its course and struck 17 other vehicles. Subsequently, it erupted into a towering inferno, lending to a tragic scene of destruction and loss. Olusegun Ogungbemide, a spokesperson for the FRSC, confirmed that in addition to the casualties, three individuals were rescued from the incident without harm.
Fatalities from truck-related accidents are alarmingly common in Nigeria, where inadequate rail infrastructure forces the reliance on roads for heavy cargo transport. This dependency increases the risk of high-casualty accidents, particularly involving fuel tankers.
Earlier this month, a similar catastrophe in Niger state claimed 98 lives when an attempt to transfer fuel from an overturned tanker to another vehicle ignited a fire. The incident also attracted locals who were collecting leaking gasoline, further escalating the tragedy.
In response to this pattern of deadly incidents, Nigerian authorities have initiated a nationwide campaign aimed at curtailing the life-threatening practice of collecting spilt gasoline from accident sites. Lanre Issa-Onilu, director-general of the National Orientation Agency, emphasized during a recent event in the Suleja area, “Gasoline tanker accidents do not have to lead to the loss of lives.”
The surge in gasoline prices following the removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Tinubu’s government over a year ago has exacerbated the situation. The elimination of these subsidies was intended to allocate more resources towards national development, but has, instead, led to increased difficulties for many Nigerian citizens.
Officials continue to investigate the exact causes of this latest explosion as part of broader efforts to improve road safety standards across the country. Authorities are also emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety regulations and are considering stricter enforcement measures to prevent future occurrences of similar disastrous events.
As the community mourns the loss of life and the injured receive treatment, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the essential need for improved transport infrastructure and safety practices in a nation plagued by recurrent road tragedies.