Panic As Diesel Tanker Catches Fire In Enugu

A tanker loaded with diesel Thursday went up in flames along Enugu-Onitsha expressway by Ugwu-Onyeama in Enugu State.

Eyewitnesses told THE WHISTLER that the diesel spilt before the tanker caught fire.

The incident caused panic and heavy gridlock, prompting the operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to divert motorists to Ngwo-Miliken Hills axis.

Meanwhile, the FRSC Sector Commander in Enugu State, Mr Franklin Agbakoba, has confirmed the incident.

According to him, it happened at about 6:16pm. He said as a result of the inferno, motorists and pedestrians were directed to follow the Ngwo Community road, popularly known as ‘Ngwo Snake Road’ while going into and outside Enugu metropolis.

Agbakoba said that the lone accident did not involve any other vehicle. “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 have advised the federal government to hasten work on the finalisation of the road. Joseph Obetta, a commercial driver, told our correspondent that, “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.”