Flames lit up the night sky in Awka as a brake failure turned a routine drive into a deadly inferno.
Two people were burnt to death and two others badly injured when a fully loaded diesel tanker belonging to Shafa Filling Station rammed into a 911 truck carrying bags of animal feed along the Agu-Awka axis of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway.
The tragedy unfolded around 11:26 pm, right in front of Jezco Fuel Station. Witnesses said the diesel tanker lost control on the slope, hurtled forward, and smashed into the 911 truck.
The impact sparked an explosion that engulfed both vehicles within minutes, sending thick black smoke and fireballs into the air.
Residents scampered for safety as firefighters from the Anambra State Fire Service battled the blaze.
Confirming the incident, Chief Fire Officer Engr. Chiketa Chukwudi said two victims died on the spot while two others with varying degrees of burns were pulled from the wreckage and rushed to hospital.
Chiketa, who led the operation at the scene, praised his men for their swift response, which prevented the fire from spreading to nearby buildings and the fuel station.
“This is a painful reminder,” he said. “Motorists, especially truck drivers carrying petroleum products, must check their brakes and avoid speeding on slopes. Lives depend on it.”
As at press time, firefighters were still on the ground cooling the site.
The Fire Service urged the public to remain calm and go about their activities, while calling for routine vehicle maintenance to avert more avoidable accidents on Anambra roads.
