A petroleum tanker exploded along the busy Enugu–Onitsha Expressway on Tuesday night, causing panic among commuters and leaving hundreds of motorists stranded for several hours.
The incident occurred at the Ugwu-Onyeama axis of the federal highway after the tanker reportedly lost control, veered off the road, and plunged into a valley before bursting into flames.
According to the Enugu State Fire Service, emergency responders arrived swiftly at the scene and successfully contained the inferno, preventing the fire from spreading to nearby communities and vegetation.
Speaking on the incident, the Enugu State Chief Fire Officer, Okwudili Ohaa, confirmed that no lives were lost in the explosion due to the prompt intervention of firefighters and other emergency agencies.
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However, the tanker driver and his assistant sustained injuries and were immediately evacuated to a nearby hospital by officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps.
The explosion triggered heavy traffic congestion along the expressway as motorists were forced to seek alternative routes while rescue operations lasted through the night.
Authorities later cleared the affected section of the road, restoring normal traffic movement.
The incident has once again raised concerns over tanker safety and the increasing rate of fuel tanker accidents on major highways across Nigeria.
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