A petrol-laden tanker exploded along the Ihiala axis of the Onitsha-Owerri Road, opposite the office of the Federal Road Safety Corps, on Sunday, killing two persons instantly and injuring one other.
The explosion occurred at about 9:30 a.m. after the tanker collided with a car and rammed into a barricade, spilling its contents and triggering a massive fire.
Eyewitnesses reported that the tanker was travelling at high speed when it lost control and crashed into the barricade.
One witness said, “Immediately after the crash, the tanker exploded with a loud noise and caught fire, affecting a motorcycle that was coming behind.
“The tanker spilled its contents and then exploded. Two persons — the driver and his conductor — were burnt to death instantly, while a motorcycle rider sustained varying degrees of injuries and was rushed to the hospital.
“The collision caused panic due to the loud explosion. The fire quickly spread to adjoining roads, causing gridlock, before government officials arrived and battled to control it.”
Confirming the incident, the Sector Public Education Officer of the FRSC in Anambra State, Margaret Onabe, said the crash involved two vehicles: a commercial tanker with no registration number and a motorcycle, also unregistered.
She stated, “A fatal road traffic crash was recorded today, 8th February 2026, at the opposite FRSC office in Ihiala on the Ihiala-Onitsha road.
“The probable cause of the crash was speed and loss of control. Three male adults were involved — two died, and one was rescued with injuries and taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Ihiala.”
Onabe added that the FRSC rescue team from RS5.34 contacted the fire service, and both agencies worked to fully extinguish the fire.
Scene of the crash. Photo: FRSC
She also commiserated with the families of the victims and advised motorists to drive within recommended speed limits and remain observant while driving.
“Drive to stay alive; safety is everyone’s business,” she emphasised.
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