Tension As Diesel Tanker Catches Fire On Enugu-Onitsha Expressway
Tension gripped commuters on Thursday evening as a diesel-laden tanker went up in flames along the Enugu-Onitsha expressway by Ugwu-Onyeama in Enugu State.
Eyewitnesses said the diesel had spilled before the tanker suddenly caught fire, sparking panic and a heavy traffic jam.
Operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) immediately diverted motorists through the Ngwo-Miliken Hills axis.
Confirming the incident, the FRSC Sector Commander in Enugu State, Mr Franklin Agbakoba, said it occurred at about 6:16 pm.
He explained that both motorists and pedestrians were directed to follow the Ngwo Community road, popularly known as ‘Ngwo Snake Road,’ in and out of Enugu metropolis.
Agbakoba added that the crash was a lone accident and no life had been lost as of the time of filing this report.
“There is no life lost in the incident for now. The Federal and State Fire Services were on ground to ensure it didn’t escalate. Rescue teams from State Sector and the FRSC 9th Mile Unit Commands have been activated to the crash scene.”
Some motorists, however, urged the Federal Government to speed up the dualisation of the expressway to avert similar disasters.
A commercial driver, Joseph Obetta, lamented, “That Ugwu-Onyeama axis has been a nightmare. Last year, many lives were lost when a tanker-laden gas exploded. The solution is to complete the ongoing dualisation of that road. It is the most delayed federal project I can imagine. Whenever there is an accident on the road, it is always terrible.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
