Tragedy struck on January 25, 2025, as a petrol tanker overturned and ignited a massive fire on Ugwu Onyama Federal Highway in Enugu State, claiming the lives of over 15 people, including children, and leaving several others injured.
The tanker, loaded with premium motor spirit (PMS), reportedly lost control on the hilly stretch of the road, spilling fuel that triggered an inferno.
The blaze, as noticed by WorldClass247News, engulfed nearby vehicles and trapped travelers, with eyewitnesses describing a chaotic and harrowing scene.
Many victims were reportedly burned beyond recognition, and emergency responders struggled to prioritize rescue efforts due to the intensity of the flames.
In response, the Enugu State Ministry of Transport has advised motorists to avoid the area, redirecting traffic to alternative routes such as Milki Hill Side.
This disaster comes less than a week after a similar incident in Niger State on January 18, 2025, where 98 people were killed when a fuel tanker exploded as residents attempted to scoop petrol from the overturned vehicle.
The explosion, reportedly sparked by a generator, left victims “burned to ashes” in one of Nigeria’s deadliest fuel-related tragedies.
The incidents have reignited nationwide calls for improved safety measures. Federal Fire Service Controller-General Abdulganiyu Jaji has criticized reckless tanker driving and poor safety protocols, emphasizing the risks posed by fuel vapors.
The Nigerian Governors’ Forum has also urged stricter regulations, citing previous disasters like the October 2024 Jigawa explosion, which killed 180 people.
Investigations into both the Enugu and Niger incidents are ongoing, with authorities stressing the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades and public awareness campaigns to prevent such tragedies in the future.