A gasoline tanker exploded in southern Nigeria, killing at least 18 people and injuring 10 others. The accident happened on the Enugu-Onitsha expressway in Enugu State. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said the tanker lost control and collided with 17 other vehicles before it caught fire.
Rescue Efforts and Causes of the Tragedy
Olusegun Ogungbemide, a spokesperson for the FRSC, confirmed that the victims were “burnt beyond recognition.” Rescuers managed to extract three people unharmed. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s poor road infrastructure and the lack of a reliable railway system lead to frequent truck accidents.
Earlier this month, a similar tragedy took place in Niger State. A tanker explosion killed 98 people after bystanders attempted to transfer gasoline from a crashed vehicle. Since then, authorities have worked to raise awareness of the risks involved in these actions.
The dangers of gasoline tanker accidents and fuel scooping
Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, reminded the public that accidents like these are avoidable. His agency aims to educate Nigerians about the dangers.
The removal of fuel subsidies last year pushed fuel prices higher. While this decision aims to support long-term economic growth, it has put many Nigerians under financial strain. Despite the risks, some still scoop fuel from overturned tankers, either using it for personal purposes or selling it for profit.
