Petrol tanker explosion claims two lives, injures one in Anambra

A devastating petrol tanker explosion on the Onitsha-Owerri Road in Anambra State has claimed two lives and left one person injured after the speeding vehicle crashed and burst into flames.

The tragic incident occurred when the fuel-laden tanker lost control while traveling at high speed, overturned, and exploded in a massive fireball that engulfed the immediate area. Witnesses described scenes of horror as the intense flames prevented immediate rescue efforts.

Emergency responders who arrived at the scene confirmed that two people died in the inferno, while one survivor sustained serious injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The identities of the victims have not been officially released pending notification of their families.

The explosion caused panic among motorists and residents in the vicinity, with many fleeing the area fearing secondary explosions. The Onitsha-Owerri Road, a major transportation corridor in the southeast, was temporarily closed to traffic as firefighters battled to extinguish the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby structures.

Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials who responded to the emergency attributed the crash to excessive speed and possible driver recklessness. They noted that tanker drivers frequently violate speed limits despite carrying highly flammable cargo that poses catastrophic risks in the event of accidents.

“This is another preventable tragedy caused by reckless driving,” an FRSC spokesperson said. “We continue to warn tanker drivers about the dangers of speeding, but some refuse to heed these warnings, and the results are often deadly.”

The Anambra State Fire Service deployed multiple units to the scene to contain the fire and prevent further casualties. Firefighters worked for several hours to fully extinguish the flames and cool down the charred remains of the tanker.

Local residents expressed frustration over the recurring incidents of tanker explosions on Nigerian roads, calling for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and better training for drivers of petroleum-carrying vehicles.

Anambra State Government officials visited the scene and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. They promised to work with relevant agencies to enhance road safety measures and prevent similar tragedies.

The incident adds to the grim toll of tanker-related disasters across Nigeria, where poor road conditions, inadequate vehicle maintenance, and driver negligence continue to result in deadly explosions that claim lives and destroy property.

Authorities have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash and explosion, while the injured survivor remains under medical observation.

Traffic has since been restored on the Onitsha-Owerri Road following the removal of the burnt tanker wreckage and cleanup of the accident scenet