BREAKING NEWS: Gasoline Tanker Explosion Claims 18 Lives in Enugu State | Factsheet News.

On January 25, 2025, a tragic accident occurred along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in Enugu State, Nigeria. A gasoline tanker lost control and collided with 17 vehicles, resulting in a massive explosion. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that at least 18 individuals were killed, with 10 others sustaining injuries. The victims were reportedly “burned beyond recognition.”

The incident took place near the Ugwu-Onyeama area of the expressway at approximately 11 a.m. Preliminary reports suggest that the tanker experienced brake failure, leading to the loss of control and subsequent collision. Emergency responders, including the FRSC and the Enugu State Fire Service, were dispatched to the scene to manage the situation and provide assistance to the victims.

This tragedy underscores the ongoing challenges associated with road safety and the transportation of hazardous materials in Nigeria. The absence of an efficient railway system for cargo transport often results in heavy reliance on roadways for the movement of goods, increasing the risk of such accidents. In response to this and similar incidents, authorities have initiated campaigns against practices like gasoline scooping from fallen tankers, which pose significant dangers to individuals and communities.