A gasoline tanker explosion in southern Nigeria has claimed the lives of at least 18 people, with others in critical condition.
A statement released by Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps indicated that the incident occurred on Saturday along the Enugu-Onitsha expressway in the southeastern state of Enugu. The tanker, laden with gasoline, lost control, rammed into 17 vehicles, and burst into flames.
Those who died were “burnt beyond recognition,” according to Olusegun Ogungbemide, spokesperson for the safety corps rescue teams. Besides the 10 injured, rescuers managed to extract three individuals who were unharmed.
Credible reports suggest that due to the absence of an efficient railway system for cargo transport, fatal truck accidents are common along major roads.
Authorities confirmed that many of the injured were drawn to the fallen tanker to scoop fuel for personal use or profit. Reports indicate that 10 individuals remain in critical condition.
