At least 18 people were killed on Saturday following a tanker explosion on Ugwu-Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a statement by Federal Road Safety Corps has revealed.
The incident happened on Saturday at about 11:30 a.m. when a fuel-laden tanker had a brake failure, fell and exploded leaving 11 commuters dead. The death toll rose to 18 on Sunday.
The deceased were evacuated by the FRSC officers after officials of the Enugu State Fire Service had extinguished the inferno, while the injured were taken to hospitals in Enugu for treatment.
The Sector Commander of the FRSC, Enugu State Command, Franklin Agbakoba, said the additional seven deceased were victims of the accident, who were rushed to nearby hospitals but could not make it.
Mr Agbakoba disclosed that 11 vehicles were burnt in the unfortunate incident.
They included one fuel tanker, one water tanker and 15 other vehicles, as well as one tricycle, popularly known as “Keke”.
“Currently, the death toll from the unfortunate accident is 18 persons, and we continue to pray for their souls to have eternal rest.
“However, three persons were not injured but profiled; and they have since rejoined their families and friends,” he said.
Mr Agbakoba lauded Gov. Peter Mbah, the state commissioner for Transportation, Obi Ozor, the police, the Enugu State Fire Service and health officials, among others, that came to render help and rescue at the scene.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
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