At least six people narrowly escaped death when a fuel-laden articulated vehicle, carrying 33,000 liters of fuel, collided with a tipper at the notorious Ugwu Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in Enugu State.
The accident occurred as the tanker was descending from the Ninth Mile end of the road, while the tipper was ascending from the Enugu end on the single-lane highway. Miraculously, all six occupants in the vehicles emerged unscathed.
Mr. Franklin Agbakoba, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Enugu State, confirmed the incident. He reported that FRSC officers swiftly cordoned off the crash site and initiated traffic control measures, while firefighters stood by with their engines in case of a fire outbreak.
Agbakoba described the crash as involving both the tanker and the tipper, stating, “Only one person was injured while about six persons were inside. They came out unhurt, and the injured person has been taken to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital Parklane, Enugu for treatment.”
Fortunately, there was no fire outbreak. Agbakoba added, "Our men are there with those of the fire service. We were able to ward off people that came to scoop PMS from the scene."
As a precaution, the road was blocked, and traffic was diverted to another lane. The road remains diverted as authorities await the arrival of another tanker to transfer the fuel.
