Tragedy was narrowly averted on Tuesday night after a petroleum-laden tanker crashed and exploded along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, leaving commuters stranded for hours but with no loss of life.
The incident occurred at the Ugwu-Onyeama area of the busy federal highway, triggering panic and forcing motorists to seek alternative routes as emergency responders battled the raging inferno.
Confirming the development in a telephone interview with PUNCH Metro on Wednesday, the Enugu State Chief Fire Officer, Okwudili Ohaa, said the accident happened around 10 p.m., adding that the swift response of firefighters prevented casualties and limited damage.
According to him, personnel of the Enugu State Fire Service promptly mobilised to the scene and, after intense efforts, brought the fire under control.
“We were able to extinguish the fire and protect the surrounding vegetation as well as the nearby Iva Valley community,” he said.
Ohaa noted that normal traffic had since resumed along the affected section of the expressway following the successful clearance of the scene.
He explained that the incident involved a lone tanker which reportedly lost control, veered off the road and plunged into a valley before bursting into flames.
The fire chief added that the driver and his assistant sustained injuries and were evacuated to a nearby hospital by officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps.
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