The incident, which occurred around 11:30 a.m., saw a fuel-laden tanker lose control, overturn, and ignite a massive fire that spread to six nearby vehicles and another tanker. The blaze left several victims burnt beyond recognition, while the chaos caused fear and panic among residents and travelers.

Witnesses said the tanker lost control due to brake failure while descending the steep road. The spill triggered an uncontrollable fire that made rescue efforts nearly impossible. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to save lives, but the destruction was overwhelming.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar took to social media to express his heartbreak, describing the frequent tanker explosions across the country as a national crisis. “Oh dear, not again! My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of all the victims of the fuel tanker explosion in Enugu State. May their souls find eternal rest,” Atiku wrote. He also urged the government to investigate and address the root causes of these recurring tragedies.

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah visited the site of the explosion to assess the damage and console victims’ families. He pledged immediate action, including providing medical care for survivors and implementing stricter safety measures for fuel tankers. “This tragedy could have been avoided. Preliminary findings indicate a brake failure caused the spill and subsequent fire,” Mbah said. “We will enforce the use of anti-spill locks on tankers and expedite repairs on this federal road to prevent such incidents.”

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander in Enugu, Franklin Agbakoba, confirmed the death toll at 18, with 11 people dying on the spot and others succumbing to injuries later. He commended Governor Mbah for his swift response and his commitment to covering medical expenses for the injured.

This heartbreaking event underscores the urgent need for improved road safety regulations and stricter enforcement of standards for fuel transport. With proper infrastructure and proactive measures, such tragedies can be prevented, sparing countless lives from senseless loss.

The post Tragedy on Enugu-Onitsha Expressway: 18 Lives Lost in Tanker Explosion appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The governor also commissioned the New-Watson Doors Industry, established by a Chinese firm at Nachi, Enugu State.

In unveiling the construction of the Nortra Tractor Plant and Service Centre, Mbah noted that it was a significant step towards his administration’s vision to grow the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion.

“What we have gathered here to do today is not a mere symbolic act; it is certainly an act that takes us closer to the dream of having at least 1,000 tractors in Enugu State by next year.

“We have always said that Enugu is going to be that premier destination for investors to come. However, we realised that this will not happen merely by wishing for it. This is why what we see here today represents Enugu State going the extra mile to make it attractive for investors. This is also why we have placed an order for at least 1,000 tractors, which we hope to obtain through this assembly plant.”

He explained, “It would have been easier for us to place an order for 1,000 tractors, but we did not see the value in that. This is why we are only getting 200 tractors that are already assembled and imported here. The remaining 800 will be assembled right here in Enugu State.

“Again, initiatives like what we are doing with Nortra not only create opportunities but will also stimulate our economy. They boost the economic growth that we are expecting and create employment for our people.”

Mbah promised to seek out, identify, and support genuine investors who wish to partner with the state on its journey towards a $30 billion economy.

“We will continue to support Nortra to ensure that we provide the basic amenities, the right infrastructure, and security for your investment to thrive,” he said.

Earlier in her address, the Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Industry, Adaora Chukwu, observed that Enugu was ODK Group’s first investment destination in Africa, adding that the group’s specialisation and reputation for manufacturing innovative and high-quality agricultural equipment and machinery would enhance agricultural production in the state.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Patrick Ubru, also described the venture as a huge leap for agriculture in the state.

In their addresses, the CEO of ODK Group Denmark, Mr. Morten Anderson, and the Managing Director of Nortra Tractors, Mr. Philip Njoku, stated that Enugu was chosen as the first entry point into Africa because they “identified Enugu State as a state that is thriving powerfully in terms of innovation, commercialisation, and everything you can think of in terms of development.”

Commissioning the New-Watson Doors Industry at Nachi, Mbah noted that the company was still contemplating which state to invest in at the time they met him in 2023, and he commended them for believing in what his administration was doing to make Enugu State the preferred destination for investment.

He reiterated his administration’s determination to continue to de-risk investments and support investors and businesses in the state.

“We have also created an enabling environment for investors to thrive. We will patronise the company, ensuring we do not go outside of Enugu State to procure all that we need for our 260 Smart Green Schools, 260 Type 2

Healthcare Centres, and other massive projects that we can source within the state,” he said.

He, therefore, urged other investors from China and other parts of the world to come to Enugu to invest.

In his remarks, the CEO of New-Watson, Chen Shando, thanked Governor Mbah for “the massive support received from the government and the people of Enugu State.”

Source: Punchng

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