The President of Altar Knights Association of SS John and Paul Parish, Iba Pope Awada, Onitsha in Anambra State, Jeremiah Nwaji, his wife, six children, his brother and apprentice were among those killed in the devastating petrol tanker explosion that occured along the Ugwu-Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Enugu State.

The incident which occured on Saturday at about 11:30am, killed no fewer than 18 people as confirmed by the Federal Road Safety Corps, Enugu State Command, on Sunday.

The incident happened when a fuel-laden tanker had a brake failure, fell and exploded leaving 11 commuters dead instantly before the death toll rose the following day.

According to the FRSC, 11 vehicles, were burnt in the unfortunate incident, including one fuel tanker, one water tanker and other vehicles as well as one tricycle, popularly known as “Keke”.

Our correspondent gathered from members of the church in Onitsha, that Nwaji was traveling with members of the family to Ebonyi State, before they met their unfortunate death.

A top official and a Catholic priest in Onitsha, who craved anonymity as he was not authorised to speak, also confirmed the death of Nwaji and eight members of his household, including his wife, six children, a brother and apprentice, as part of those killed to our correspondent on Tuesday.

He said, “The Enugu fire explosion claimed the life of Brother Jeremiah Nwaji, President of the Altar Knights Association of SS John and Paul Parish, Iba Pope Awada, Onitsha, on Saturday.

“Nwaji, until his death was the leader of the Altar Knights and a devout Catholic. He was travelling in company with his wife, six children, younger brother, maid, and apprentice, all of whom lost their lives in the incident.

“The family was travelling to Ebonyi State to attend the burial of their father, scheduled to hold on January 31.

“The journey, meant to be a solemn and respectful tribute to their departed father, turned into an unimaginable tragedy.”

According to him, the incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with friends, family, and parishioners mourning the loss of a devouted family and a respected leader.

The Catholic priest said the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by petrol tanker explosions and the need for increased safety measures to prevent such tragedies.

“There is no official reaction yet from the church. We are praying for their repose and asking God for divine consolation for their families and loved ones and the fortitude to bear the loss.

“We are also asking the public officials to look into the cause and circumstances of the incident in order to forestall future occurrence and guarantee safety of lives and property,” he added.