18 People Die in Oil Tanker Explosion in Nigeria

#Africa
18 People Die in Oil Tanker Explosion in Nigeria

Loveworld / 20 minutes

January 28, 2025

2 min read

A devastating explosion in southern Nigeria has claimed the lives of at least 18 people and left 10 others injured after a gasoline tanker lost control and exploded. The tragic accident occurred along the Enugu-Onitsha expressway in the southeastern state of Enugu.
According to Olusegun Ogungbemide, spokesperson for the safety corps rescue teams, the tanker, which was laden with gasoline, collided with 17 vehicles before bursting into flames. The inferno was intense, and those who perished in the explosion were reportedly “burnt beyond recognition.”
Rescue efforts were swift, with teams extracting three survivors who remained unharmed despite the chaos. However, the scale of the disaster left many reeling as the wreckage of the crash site continued to burn. The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers associated with transporting hazardous materials on busy highways.
The explosion has also drawn attention to the broader issue of road safety and the regulation of tanker operations in Nigeria, where similar accidents have occurred in the past, often leading to high casualties. Authorities are expected to launch investigations into the cause of the explosion, with a focus on the safety standards of tanker operations and potential human errors.
As the community mourns the loss of life, questions about how to prevent such accidents in the future remain at the forefront of discussions. The incident underscores the urgent need for improved safety protocols to protect both drivers and pedestrians on Nigeria’s highways.