A fatal tanker explosion has claimed the lives of two persons in Anambra State.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Command, confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Awka by the Sector Public Education Officer, SRC Margaret B. Onabe. The crash occurred on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.
According to the FRSC, the accident happened opposite the FRSC office along the Ihiala–Onitsha Road and involved a commercial tanker and a motorcycle, both without registration numbers.
Onabe stated that preliminary investigations attributed the cause of the crash to excessive speed and loss of control.
“An eyewitness account revealed that the tanker was travelling at high speed when it lost control and crashed into a road barricade. The tanker immediately exploded and went up in flames, affecting a motorcycle that was following behind,” she said.
As a result of the crash, the tanker driver and his conductor died at the scene, while the motorcycle rider sustained injuries and was rescued. The injured victim was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala, for medical treatment.
A total of three adult males were involved in the crash. Two were killed, while one was rescued with injuries.
The FRSC rescue team from RS5.34 promptly contacted the fire service, and both agencies worked together to extinguish the fire. As of the time of this report, the fire had been completely put out.
The Sector Commander, Anambra State Corps Commander, CC Bridget Asekhauno, expressed her condolences to the families of the deceased. She urged motorists to always adhere to recommended speed limits, remain vigilant, and maintain full concentration while driving to prevent avoidable road crashes.
