Four siblings killed in Enugu tanker explosion buried

Grief has enveloped Enugu State as four siblings who lost their lives in the devastating tanker explosion at Ugwu Onyeama on January 5, 2025 were laid to rest today.

They are Nnamdi Ndubuisi, Chioma Ndife, Nkechi Ndubuisi and Izuchukwu Ndubuisi

They were returning from a New Year church retreat when the tragedy struck along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

At approximately 8:45 PM on that fateful day, a fuel-laden tanker lost control while descending the steep Ugwu Onyeama hill.

Eyewitnesses reported that the tanker’s brakes failed, causing it to collide with multiple vehicles before overturning and erupting into a massive fireball.

The inferno engulfed nearby commuter buses, trapping passengers inside.

The explosion claimed at least 13 lives and reduced over 20 vehicles—including buses, cars, and motorcycles—to charred wreckage. Among the victims were the four Nwankwo siblings, who were confirmed dead at the scene after being trapped in one of the burning buses.

A wake-keep was held on Friday, April 12, 2025, drawing hundreds of mourners, including clergy members, schoolmates, and transport workers.

The sight of the four white caskets moved many to tears as the community gathered to pay their respects.

The funeral service took place in their hometown in Udi Local Government Area.

The Nwankwo family, still devastated by the loss, has joined growing demands for stricter regulations on fuel tanker movements in Enugu State.

The Funeral poster

Advocacy groups and civil society organizations are urging the government to restrict tanker movement hours, especially on hazardous routes, enforce mandatory mechanical checks for heavy-duty vehicles as well as  declare Ugwu Onyeama a high-risk zone.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) had earlier promised a thorough investigation into the crash, but as of April 2025, no official report has been released.

This delay has sparked frustration among road safety advocates, who accuse authorities of neglecting one of the region’s most dangerous roads.

Diaspora Digital Media reported earlier that fire destroyed properties worth millions of Naira at Araromi market in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The market is notable for sales of auto spare parts and accessories.

Scavengers and those who live on dismantling vehicles also make a living from abandoned cars in the market.

It was gathered not less than 12 shops with properties worth millions were destroyed in the latest fire incident.

Eyewitness account states that the incident started at Block A, No 64 Mayegun Cement store around 10:55pm.

The incident, which lasted for several hours, was attributed to surge in power supply to the area.

Confirming the incident, General Manager of Oyo Fire Service, Yemi Akinyinka, said the agency received the distressed call at exactly 11:02pm.

Akinyinka said: “The agency’s control room received the distressed call at exactly 23:02 hrs on Thursday, April 10, 2025 through telephoning and Mr Young to shop on fire at the above address.

“The fire personnel led by CFS Jimoh promptly deployed to the scene of the fire incident. On arrival, we met some lockup shops well alight and we swiftly swung into action and restricted the fire from spreading to other nearby shops.

“The fire affected 12 out of multiple numbers of shops and we were able to save property worth billions of naira in the market. The appliance returned to the station by 03:18hrs and on standby.”

There have been multiple fire incidents at Araromi Market, Agodi Gate, Ibadan in recent times.

The Nation reports on January 14, 2023, a fire broke out at the market, gutting over 25 shops.

The fire started from one shop and spread to others due to the late arrival of the fire fighters.

The cause was attributed to scavengers burning disused tires, which ignited nearby combustibles.

On December 20, 2024, another fire incident occurred with flames engulfing the market around 2 am.

The fire destroyed properties worth millions, and traders suffered heavy losses.

The cause of the fire was uncertain but early reports suggested it might have been triggered by an electrical fault.

On March 30, 2025, the market was engulfed in flames around 2 am.

The fire destroyed properties worth millions and initial report didn’t give the immediate and remote cause of the incident.

The incidents have resulted in significant losses with traders anyways clamouring for enhanced safety measures in the market.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook