Tanker Fire Kills Anambra Catholic Altar Boys President, Wife, 6 Children, Others En Route to Father’s Burial

By Our correspondent

A devastating petrol tanker explosion on Saturday at Ugwu Onyeama has left a trail of grief and devastation, claiming the lives of 11 family members, including the President of the Altar Boys Association at SS John and Paul Parish, Iba Pope, Onitsha.

Brother Jeremiah Nwaji, a devout Catholic and leader of the Altar Boys Association, was among the victims of the tragic incident.

He was accompanied by his wife, six children, younger brother, maid, and apprentice, all of whom lost their lives in the blaze.

The family was en route 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.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the petrol tanker exploding into a massive fireball that engulfed several vehicles, including the one carrying the Nwaji family.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with friends, family, and parishioners mourning the loss of a devoted family and a respected leader.

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.

An investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing.