Tragedy struck in Enugu State on Saturday when no fewer than 18 people were burnt to death and 13 others injured in a tanker explosion at Ugwu Onyeama, along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, in the Udi Local Government Area of the state, NEWSMAX NIGERIA has learnt.

The incident occurred around 11.30am when a fuel-laden tanker while descending a hill collided with a water truck belonging to JUHEL Nigeria Limited, triggering an explosion that caused widespread panic.

A spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps, Olusegun Ogungbemide, in a statement on Saturday, said the crash involved 17 vehicles, including a petrol tanker, a water tanker, 15 cars, and a tricycle.

According to preliminary reports by the FRSC, the petrol tanker, laden with premium motor spirit, lost control after its brakes failed, resulting in a collision that triggered a fire incident.

Ogungbemide said, “A total of 31 people were involved in the crash. Ten were rescued with varying degrees of injury, while three escaped unscathed. Unfortunately, the remaining 18 victims were burnt beyond recognition.

“The tanker experienced brake failure, and the driver lost control, leading to a collision with 17 vehicles.” the statement read.

Sunday PUNCH gathered that the rescue operation involved policemen, men of the state fire service, Federal Road Safety Corps, and other security agencies.

Traffic was diverted to ease movement while efforts to evacuate the wreckage were underway.

Eyewitnesses said the petrol tanker spilled its contents along the road, covering a stretch of over 17 electric poles.

Our correspondents gathered that the ensuing fire spread rapidly, consuming everything in its path.

Sunday PUNCH learnt that some of the victims were travellers who came for Christmas and New Year celebrations and were returning to their bases when tragedy struck.

An eyewitness, who identified himself only as Anthony, described the explosion as devastating and called on the Federal Government to prioritise railway systems and pipelines for transporting petrol and other flammable products.

“Enough is enough. This tanker delivery system is a disaster waiting to happen every day. It’s not working for us anymore,” Anthony said.

Sympathisers at the scene said the intensity of the fire hindered rescue efforts, making it difficult to save those trapped in the vehicles.

They listed vehicles involved in the tanker fire to include a Toyota Camry, two Sienna buses, a tricycle, a Lexus SUV, a commuter bus, a minibus, an L300 bus, a low-bed truck carrying an excavator, and a Mack trailer truck.

The National Emergency Management Agency said it had deployed a response team to the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway to assess the situation.

The Head of Media and Public Relations of NEMA, Manzo Ezekiel, confirmed the development to Sunday PUNCH.

Ezekiel said, “This tragic tanker fire explosion underscores the importance of our sensitisation campaigns on the safe transportation of petroleum products.

“Our officers from the Enugu office have been dispatched to the scene to assess the immediate needs and provide support.”