How Enugu explosion wiped out family of nine heading for patriarch’s funeral

Tragedy struck the Nwaji family from Izzi, Ebonyi State, on Saturday when a fuel tanker explosion at Ugwu Onyeama, Enugu, claimed the lives of nine family members who were travelling to bury their late patriarch.

Jeremiah Amuche Nwaji, his wife, their six children, his younger brother, and a family servant all perished in the fire, which also took several other lives.

The family had departed Onitsha in Anambra State, preparing for their father’s burial scheduled for Friday, January 31, in Ebonyi State. Unfortunately, they lost their lives when the Sienna car they were travelling in was consumed by the flames during the incident.

A viral post by one Barrister Itumo, titled “Tears,” has circulated on social media, capturing the family’s grief. In the post, he said, “We lost one of our brothers and a member of Izzi Agenda and FON Anambra Chapter, Mr Jeremiah Amuche Nwaji, along with his wife, six children, brother, and servant in Saturday’s explosion at Ugwu Onyeama. May their gentle souls rest in peace. Amen. This is a very difficult time for us. Please let us pray for them. He is the Coordinator of the Ebonyi Local Council, Anambra Chapter.”

Another person, who identified himself as a friend of the Nwaji family, said Jeremiah lost his father and was travelling with members of his family to their village in Ebonyi for the burial when the explosion hit their vehicle. None of the occupants of the Sienna car survived.

“His name is Bro Jeremiah Nwaji. He is the President of the Altar Boys Association, SS John and Paul Parish Iba-Pope, Awada, where I served during my teenage days. He, his wife, six children, younger brother, and maid were travelling for the burial of their father coming up this Friday, January 31, before the unfortunate incident at Ugwu Onyeama. I’m saddened. Please remember them in your prayers,” another family associate wrote on WhatsApp on Sunday.

Apart from the Nwaji family, four siblings from Ngwo, Enugu State, travelling in their private vehicle to the Enugu metropolis, reportedly perished in the incident. The victims included two boys who recently returned home from abroad for a family housewarming celebration. Others were two female members of the family.

The Guardian was unable to speak to survivors of the tragic incident, as the authorities at the Orthopaedic Hospital in Enugu described their condition as critical.