A tanker explosion on Sunday killed two people and injured another along the Ihiala–Onitsha Road in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigerian road safety officials said. The incident occurred opposite the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) office in Ihiala, drawing emergency responders to the scene as flames engulfed the vehicles involved.

The Sector Commander of the FRSC in Anambra State, Mrs. Bridget Asekhauno, confirmed the crash in a statement issued in Awka, the state capital.

According to Asekhauno, the accident involved a commercial fuel tanker with no visible registration number and a motorcycle, also without a registration plate.

“Eyewitnesses said the tanker, which was conveying inflammable contents, was speeding when the driver lost control,” she said. “The vehicle rammed into a roadside barricade and immediately burst into flames, triggering an explosion that also affected a motorcycle trailing behind.”

She said the tanker driver and his conductor died at the scene, while the motorcycle rider sustained injuries and was rescued by emergency responders.

“A total of three adult males were involved in the crash. Two fatalities were recorded, and one injured victim was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala, for medical treatment,” Asekhauno said.

FRSC officials said the tanker had no registration number, making it difficult to immediately identify the owner or operator of the vehicle.

The crash happened in the early hours of Sunday and caused panic among residents and road users, many of whom rushed away from the area as the fire spread.

Witnesses said the explosion sent thick smoke into the air and forced nearby traders and motorists to abandon the road.

“I was just about to cross when the tanker suddenly swerved and hit the barrier,” said a shop owner who declined to give his name. “There was a loud bang and fire everywhere. People started running in all directions.”

Another resident said the motorcycle rider had been following the tanker closely before the crash.

“The bike was behind the tanker. When the tanker exploded, the fire caught the motorcycle too,” the witness said.

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Emergency teams from the FRSC and the Anambra State Fire Service were deployed to the scene shortly after the incident was reported.

Asekhauno said rescue operatives worked with firefighters to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings and vehicles.

“Our officers, alongside the fire service, responded promptly and successfully extinguished the fire,” she said.

Traffic was temporarily halted along the busy Ihiala–Onitsha corridor as emergency workers cleared debris from the road.

The FRSC said the road was later reopened to traffic after safety checks were completed.

The Ihiala–Onitsha Road is a major transport route linking Anambra’s commercial hub of Onitsha with southern parts of the state and neighboring states.

The route is heavily used by tankers transporting fuel and other petroleum products from depots in the region to markets across southeastern Nigeria. Residents have long complained about reckless driving by tanker operators on the highway, particularly excessive speed and poor vehicle maintenance.

Road safety officials say accidents involving fuel tankers often result in severe damage because of the flammable materials they carry. Asekhauno urged drivers to obey traffic rules and avoid dangerous driving habits.

“I sympathise deeply with the families of the deceased,” she said. “We are again reminding motorists to adhere strictly to speed limits and remain attentive while driving to prevent avoidable crashes.”

She also warned commercial drivers, especially tanker operators, to ensure their vehicles are properly registered and roadworthy before going on long trips.

“Vehicles without proper documentation and safety checks pose a major risk to other road users,” she said.

FRSC officials said investigations were underway to determine more details about the tanker and its cargo. They also said they would work with other agencies to trace the owners of the vehicle involved.

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Anambra State has recorded a number of fatal road accidents in recent months, many involving commercial vehicles.

In January, several people were killed in a separate crash along the Awka–Enugu Expressway when a bus collided with a heavy-duty truck. Road safety advocates have called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and tougher penalties for reckless driving.

They also want better monitoring of fuel tankers, which are often involved in deadly accidents when they crash or overturn.

Local authorities say they plan to intensify patrols along major highways in the state to reduce the risk of similar incidents.

Sunday’s explosion adds to growing concern over road safety in southeastern Nigeria, where poor infrastructure, overloaded vehicles and speeding continue to contribute to high accident rates.

As of Monday morning, the identities of the two victims had not been released by officials.

The injured motorcycle rider was said to be in stable condition at the hospital. FRSC officials said they would continue public sensitisation campaigns to encourage safer driving habits and reduce the number of fatal crashes on Nigerian roads.

The Eastern Updates