A devastating tanker fire at the Ugwu Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway has claimed three lives and destroyed property valued at about N900 million.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday after a Dangote truck carrying cement reportedly suffered brake failure and crashed into a tanker transporting Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), leading to a gas leak and subsequent fire outbreak.
Confirming the incident, the Federal Fire Service said emergency responders received a distress call at about 3:28 a.m. and swiftly deployed personnel and firefighting equipment to the scene.
Three persons were confirmed dead, while several others sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital for treatment. Security personnel, including soldiers stationed nearby, assisted in rescuing victims and evacuating the injured.
Firefighters successfully contained the blaze and prevented further explosions by cooling the damaged LNG tanker and stopping additional gas leakage. Authorities estimated that property worth N900 million was destroyed, while assets valued at about N800 million were saved through the timely intervention of emergency responders.
The Federal Fire Service has urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and comply with safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies.
