The spate of fire incidents as a result of the fall of fuel-laden tankers in Nigeria has become worrisome as not less than eleven lives and 6 vehicles were burnt on Saturday at the infamous Ugwu Onyeama along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway in Enugu State.
Eye witness account states that the petrol tanker fell while navigating down the hill and exploded burning vehicles and persons.
Meanwhile, Governor Peter Mbah, who visited the accident scene, commiserated with the families of the fire victims and disclosed that the Enugu State Government has taken measures to curb the recurrence of such disasters.
The Governor promised to repair the deteriorated section of the Federal Road and instructed the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) for Enugu, Mr. Franklin Agbakoba and the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Obi Ozor, to ensure that all tankers transporting flammable substances within the state are equipped with anti-spill locks to prevent spills in the event of an accident.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that the tanker experienced brake failure, resulting in the vehicle overturning, spilling premium motor spirit which subsequently ignited; this is indeed a tragic situation resulting in casualties.”
“However, I must emphasize that investigations are still in their early stages. The police and other law enforcement agencies are diligently working to uncover the root cause of this accident,”
“In the meantime, we have ensured that those requiring treatment have been transferred to hospitals for urgent medical attention. My Commissioner for Health, my Special Adviser on Health, and the Chief Medical Director of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital (ESUTTH), Parklane, Enugu, along with the police and Federal Road Safety Corps, have been tasked with providing the highest level of care to the survivors,” Governor Mbah said.
“As a government, we are also taking immediate actions. Enugu State Government and Federal Road Safety Corps will enforce regulations prohibiting tanker drivers from operating without an anti-spill lock. All tankers transporting premium spirits and other flammable products must have these locks to avoid spills in the event of accidents. This is crucial.”
“Additionally, we will be considering the introduction of traffic regulations aimed at preventing future incidents of this nature.
“We cannot afford to wait for the Federal Government to address the other sections of the road. Our administration is committed to taking swift action to ensure that necessary repairs are implemented promptly to prevent a recurrence of this tragedy.”
Earlier, Mr. Franklin Agbakoba, FRSC Sector Commander briefing the State Governor explained that the Fuel spill resulted from brake failure.
Agbakoba also reported that 11 people lost their lives at the scene, while the injured road users were quickly transported to hospital for treatment
- Gov. Mbah Ratifies Law against Multiple Taxation In Enugu State - February 5, 2025
- Suspicious Husband Severs Wife’s Wrist over Alleged Infidelity - January 29, 2025
- Gov. Mbah Calls for Enforcement of Anti-Spill Locks on Fuel Tankers - January 29, 2025