A tragic tanker explosion has claimed the lives of three people and destroyed property worth an estimated N900 million along the Ugwu Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, June 22, was triggered by a collision involving a cement-laden truck and a tanker carrying Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
According to the Federal Fire Service in Enugu, the accident was caused by brake failure on the truck, which rammed into the LNG tanker, resulting in a gas leak that ignited a massive fire.
Emergency responders received a distress call at about 3:28 a.m. and swiftly deployed personnel and firefighting equipment to the scene.
Despite their prompt response, three lives were lost, while several others sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Inside Enugu:
Enugu North By-election: Meet Oscar Okwudili Ossai
Enugu North senatorial by-election: Meet Ikeje Asogwa
NDLEA Arrests Suspect After Excreting Cocaine At Enugu Airport
Panic On Enugu-Abakaliki Highway As Gunmen Kill Commercial Driver
Firefighters were able to contain the inferno using foam and water jets, preventing further escalation. The blaze reportedly affected an area measuring approximately 200 by 100 square metres.
Authorities confirmed that while property valued at about N900 million was destroyed, assets worth roughly N800 million were successfully salvaged due to the timely intervention of emergency teams.
Security personnel, including Nigerian soldiers stationed nearby, were commended for their role in rescuing victims and assisting in evacuation efforts.
The situation has since been brought under control, with no further risk of fire outbreak or gas leakage.
This incident adds to growing concerns over road safety and the transportation of hazardous materials on Nigeria’s highways.
About The Author
