Enugu Tanker Fire Claims Three Lives, Destroys N900 Million Property

A devastating tanker fire along the Ugwu Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway has resulted in three fatalities and significant property damage, estimated at N900 million. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, June 22.

Maxwell Ucheagwu, Deputy Superintendent of the Federal Fire Service, confirmed the details, stating that the fire resulted from a collision between a Dangote truck carrying cement and a tanker transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG). Preliminary investigations suggest the accident was triggered by brake failure on the Dangote truck, which subsequently rammed into the LNG tanker, causing a rupture and leakage.

The Federal Fire Service Command in Enugu received a distress call at approximately 3:28 a.m. and promptly dispatched personnel and equipment. Firefighters worked to contain the situation, using water and foam solution to cool the leaking LNG tanker. They successfully brought the emergency under control, with all personnel and equipment returning safely by 6:38 a.m.

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Preliminary investigation revealed that the accident was caused by brake failure on the Dangote truck, which rammed into the LNG tanker, causing damage to the tanker and leakage of its contents.

In addition to the three lives lost, several individuals sustained injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Nigerian soldiers stationed at a nearby security checkpoint played a crucial role in the rescue efforts, assisting in evacuating the injured. The fire engulfed an area estimated to be 200 by 100 square meters.

While property valued at approximately N900 million was lost, firefighters managed to salvage assets worth an estimated N800 million due to their swift response. The incident caused significant disruption, with commuters also stranded on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway due to a separate fuel tanker fire.

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The fire affected an estimated area measuring about 200 by 100 square metres.