By Izunna Okafor, Awka
No fewer than two persons have been confirmed dead in a horrific petrol tanker explosion that rocked along the Ihiala axis of the Onitsha—Owerri Road in Anambra State, on Sunday.
The incident, which occurred near the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) office in the area, was confirmed by the FRSC Sector Commander in the State, CC Bridget Asekhauno, who also confirmed the fatality.
The fatal crash, it was gathered, involved a commercial petrol tanker conveying inflammable materials and a motorcycle, both of which reportedly have no registration numbers.
According to reports, preliminary findings indicate that the tanker was cruising on a high speed along the busy highway, and the driver lost control after ramming into a roadside barricade, resulting in its crash and spilling of its content, which triggered the violent explosion that engulfed the vehicle and the entire place in flames. The impact of the fire and the flames also affected a motorcycle that was trailing behind the tanker, further worsening the severity of the incident.
As a result of the explosion, the tanker driver and his conductor were burnt beyond recognition and died instantly at the scene. The motorcycle rider, however, sustained varying degrees of injuries and was rescued by emergency responders before being rushed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala, where he is said to be currently receiving treatment.
The explosion reportedly caused temporary gridlock along the Ihiala axis of the Onitsha–Owerri Road, as motorists and residents fled the area in fear of further blasts.
It was further gathered that the FRSC rescue operatives, in collaboration with fire service personnel, swiftly mobilised to the scene to manage the situation. The fire was successfully extinguished, while traffic control measures were put in place to prevent further danger and restore movement along the affected corridor. Normalcy was later restored following the intervention of relevant agencies.
The FRSC Sector Commander also expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and reiterated the need for motorists, especially drivers of heavy-duty vehicles conveying inflammable substances, to strictly adhere to speed limits and safety regulations. She emphasized that reckless driving poses grave dangers to lives and property on Nigerian roads.
CC Asekhauno further advised road users to remain alert at all times and ensure that vehicles are roadworthy and properly registered, stressing that adherence to traffic rules remains critical to reducing road crashes and preventable deaths.
Recall that a similar tanker explosion occurred sometime in November 2025 at Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of the State, where one person was killed and several shops razed by fire, following another petrol tanker explosion that happened in the area.
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