A fresh tanker explosion along the Ugwu Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway has claimed the lives of at least 15 people, including three children.
The explosion, which occurred around 11:30am, caused widespread panic, affecting another petrol tanker and razing six other vehicles.
It was not clear how the incident happened but witnesses revealed that the explosion occurred when a fuel-laden tanker fell while navigating down the hilly busy expressway.
They described the blast as devastating, saying that the ensuing fire also gutted another truck behind it, leading to the escalation of the fire.
Rescue efforts were hindered by the intensity of the fire, making it difficult for bystanders to access the scene.
Victims reportedly burnt beyond recognition were believed to be occupants of the vehicles caught in the inferno.
It was gathered that some of the victims were attempting to run away from the scene when they were caught by the fire.
A voice in a viral video was heard asking for prayers for the dead.
It added that some people in vehicles that fell inside a nearby gully are unaccounted for.
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