No fewer than 15 persons were killed in a fuel tanker explosion at Ugwu Onyeama, near Ninth Mile Corner on Enugu – Onitsha Expressway on Saturday.
An account by witnesses said the explosion occurred around 11:30 am when a fuel-laden tanker lost control while descending the hill apparently as a result of brake failure and crashed into other vehicles on the road.
Report said that as the fuel tanker spilt its content, a loud explosion occurred engulfing all the vehicles within the scene of the accident on the busy expressway.
Witnesses described the blast as destructive as it consumed nearby vehicles and caused widespread panic.
Rescue efforts were hindered by the intensity of the fire, making it difficult for bystanders to access the scene.
Victims who were reportedly burnt beyond recognition were believed to be occupants of the vehicles caught in the inferno.
Authorities had yet to confirm the exact number of casualties as of press time.
Men of Enugu state fire service later arrived at the scene and were seen on a trending video putting out the inferno on the fallen fuel tanker.
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