Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic fuel tanker accident along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, which claimed 11 lives and left several others injured.
The governor, during an on-the-spot assessment at the accident site, described the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy. He assured the public that the state government had already activated measures to ensure the victims received comprehensive medical attention while taking proactive steps to prevent future occurrences.
Mbah confirmed that preliminary investigations revealed the tanker, which was carrying premium motor spirit (PMS), experienced brake failure. The resulting spill of its highly inflammable contents led to a devastating fire that caused multiple casualties. The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), law enforcement agencies, and health officials are continuing investigations to determine the exact cause of the incident.
In his statement, the governor emphasized the importance of enforcing road safety regulations for tankers transporting inflammable substances. He directed the FRSC Sector Commander in Enugu, Mr.
Franklin Agbakoba, and the State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Obi Ozor, to ensure that all tankers in the state are equipped with anti-spill locks to prevent fuel spills in the event of an accident.
“We are devastated by this tragedy, which has resulted in the loss of precious lives,” Dr. Mbah stated. “I have instructed that survivors be moved to hospitals for urgent medical care. My Commissioner for Health, Special Adviser on Health, and the Chief Medical Director of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital (ESUTTH), Parklane, are all involved in providing maximum medical attention to the injured.”
Read also: Gov. Mbah urges Enugu youths to aim for excellence
Governor Mbah also pledged that the state government would no longer wait for federal intervention to repair the dilapidated sections of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. He announced plans to undertake immediate repairs to prevent future accidents.
“We cannot sit back and wait for the federal government while lives are being lost. Our administration will take immediate action to fix the bad sections of the federal road to ensure the safety of our citizens,” he said.
The FRSC Sector Commander confirmed that 11 people died at the scene, while injured survivors were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. He commended the governor for his swift response and commitment to covering the medical expenses of the victims.
Governor Mbah’s leadership during this crisis has been widely praised, as he reiterated his commitment to implementing strict road safety measures and addressing infrastructural challenges to prevent similar tragedies.
The Enugu State government has called on all motorists, especially tanker operators, to adhere to safety protocols and remain vigilant on the roads.
