Enugu tanker explosion
By Victory Oghene
Death toll has risen to 15 in the Enugu tanker explosion.
The sad incident which occurred at the Ugwu Onyeama, along Enugu- Onitsha expressway on Saturday, resulted in the loss of many lives after a fuel-laden tanker experienced brake failure while navigating the hilly road.
Scores of people were reportedly burnt to death during the tragic incident.
Also, several others were reportedly injured in the inferno which destroyed several vehicles.
The tanker driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a water tanker belonging to JUHEL Nigeria Limited, which was going to 9th Mile to get water, causing a massive explosion that destroyed everything in its path.
The fire, which raged for a considerable distance of about 14 poles, engulfed 11 vehicles, killing their occupants.
The Federal Road Safety Corps reported an official death toll of 11, though eyewitnesses estimated that the number of casualties was much higher.
They estimated that in tanker trucks – two people died; water tanker -one person; Toyota Camry – four persons; two Sienna buses – 16; a tricycle – four; Lexus – six; commuter bus – 19; minibus – eight; and L300 bus -14.
The drivers of the lowbed truck carrying an excavator and a Mack truck survived the accident without any injuries.
Witnesses described the blast as devastating, with many victims burned beyond recognition.
A student who witness the tragic incident simply known as Ifeanyi said that the incident claimed so many lives. He added that some of them burnt to ashes while others burnt beyond recognition.
