Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Tragedy struck along the Agu-Awka axis of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway in Awka, Anambra State, on Thursday night, August 20, 2026, when a fully loaded diesel tanker suffered brake failure, collided with another truck and burst into flames, claiming the lives of the driver and his conductor while leaving two others with varying degrees of injuries. The incident occurred at approximately 11:26 p.m. in front of Jezco Fuel Station, Agu-Awka, and involved a diesel tanker belonging to Shafa Filling Station and a 911 truck loaded with bags of animal feed. According to preliminary information from the Anambra State Fire Service, the diesel truck reportedly suffered brake failure and collided with the 911 truck, resulting in a fire outbreak that quickly escalated into an explosion.
Confirming the incident, the Chief Fire Officer of the Anambra State Fire Service, Engr. Chiketa Chukwudi, who was personally present at the scene, said two people lost their lives in the incident, while two others who sustained varying degrees of injuries were rescued and rushed to the hospital for medical attention. He said the Anambra State Fire Service promptly mobilised its firefighters and firefighting equipment to the scene after the accident was reported. As at the time of the report, firefighters remained at the scene, working to control the situation and prevent further escalation. Chukwudi commended the firefighters for their prompt response and urged motorists and other road users to exercise extreme caution, particularly when approaching sloping areas and when driving trucks loaded with petroleum products.
The fire chief also advised motorists to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained, stressing the need for routine checks of critical components, particularly braking systems, to prevent avoidable accidents. He assured residents that the situation had been brought under control and urged the public to remain calm and go about their normal activities. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by poorly maintained vehicles on Nigerian roads, particularly tankers transporting flammable petroleum products. As the families of the deceased mourn their loss, the two injured victims continue to receive treatment in hospital, while authorities have yet to announce any further investigation into the crash.
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