Anambra: Two die in truck-tanker inferno

In Anambra State, a tragic accident claimed two lives and left two others injured severely on Thursday night near Jezco Filling Station on the Awka-Enugu Expressway. The crash involved two commercial vehicles, a Mercedes 911 truck and a Mark Tanker belonging to Shafa Energy, both lacking registration numbers. The vehicles collided at high speed, resulting in a catastrophic fire.

Eyewitnesses reported that the driver of the truck, traveling at excessive speed, suddenly applied the brakes, causing the tanker truck to crash into its rear. The impact was so severe that the truck in front was crushed, and a fire broke out, turning the scene into a gridlock. Despite the ongoing road construction, the accident blocked a significant portion of the road.

The victims, all male adults, were rescued by good Samaritans before the arrival of the FRSC rescue team. The FRSC confirmed the incident and highlighted speed violation and loss of control as probable causes. The Corps Commander, Bridget Asekhauno, urged motorists to avoid speeding, particularly in construction zones, and obey traffic regulations.

She also called for the expedited completion of the ongoing construction on the other lane to prevent dangerous double-way movement on a single lane.