Tragic Fuel Tank Explosion in Nigeria Claims Multiple Lives

In recent news, a tragic accident involving a fuel-laden tanker has caused widespread panic and resulted in multiple fatalities in Enugu State, Nigeria. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of oil tanker accidents in the country, which have led to numerous casualties over the years.

According to multiple sources, the tanker fell while navigating a hilly and busy expressway, affecting six other vehicles in the process. Witnesses captured the chaotic scene and shared videos with Anadolu’s correspondent, who reported that at least 15 people, including three children, have been confirmed dead.

The Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Enugu State, Franklin Agbakoba Onyekwere, was present at the scene but has not yet provided a complete count of the victims. This tragic explosion occurred just a week after another devastating incident in northern Niger State, which claimed the lives of 98 individuals.

Data from Anadolu reveals alarming statistics regarding oil tanker accidents in Nigeria:

• Since 2009, the country has witnessed 172 oil tanker accidents.
• These accidents have resulted in 1,896 deaths.
• In 2024 alone, there were 266 fatalities, marking the highest death toll recorded in a single year.

Since President Bola Tinubu took office in May 2023, Nigeria has reported 28 oil tanker accidents, leading to a total of 468 deaths. This alarming statistic accounts for more than 15% of all accidents and nearly 25% of the fatalities recorded since 2009.

In response to the increasing number of fatalities from these recurrent incidents, President Tinubu has established a high-powered committee tasked with preventing future accidents. He has directed security agencies and road safety authorities to collaborate and implement measures aimed at averting these tragic and often catastrophic explosions.

This recent incident serves as a wake-up call