Enugu, Nigeria — January 26: A fuel tanker explosion in Enugu State, southeastern Nigeria, killed 18 people on Saturday. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident.
Olusegun Ogungbemide, spokesperson for the FRSC, said the accident happened when the tanker suffered a brake failure, causing the driver to lose control. The tanker crashed into over a dozen vehicles on a busy expressway and exploded.
Emergency responders rescued 10 individuals with injuries, while three others escaped unhurt. Ogungbemide stated that 18 victims were burned beyond recognition.
The incident follows a similar tragedy in northern Nigeria last week that killed around 100 residents. Poor road conditions and reckless driving have been blamed for the recurring fuel tanker accidents in the country.
