The death toll in the tanker explosion on Ugwu-Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway has risen from 11 to 18 people as confirmed by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Sunday.
The Sector Commander of the FRSC, Enugu State Command, Mr Franklin Agbakoba, confirmed the rise in the figure to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu.
The incident, which happened on Saturday at about 11:30 a.m. when a fuel-laden tanker had a brake failure, fell and exploded leaving 11 commuters dead.
The deceased were evacuated by the FRSC officers after officials of the Enugu State Fire Service extinguished the inferno while the injured were taken to hospitals in Enugu for treatment.
The sector commander said the additional seven deceased, who were rushed to nearby hospitals, could not make it.
Agbakoba disclosed that 11 vehicles, and not eight as earlier mentioned, were burnt in the unfortunate incident.
They included one fuel tanker, one water tanker and 15 other vehicles as well as one tricycle, popularly known as “Keke”.
“Currently, the death toll from the unfortunate accident is 18 persons and we continue to pray for their souls to have eternal rest.
“However, three persons were not injured but profiled; and they have since rejoined their families and friends,” he said.
Agbakoba lauded Governor Peter Mbah, the state Commissioner for Transportation, Obi Ozor, the Police, the Enugu State Fire Service and health officials among others that came to render help and rescue at the scene.
The sector commander said that traffic had been diverted to the inward Enugu lane of the ever-busy Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
“For now, we have commenced evacuation of burnt vehicles in the scene of the accident along the Enugu-Onitsha expressway in anticipation of re-opening the section of the road,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the government and the people of Enugu State over the explosion.
A statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), noted that President Tinubu commiserated with the families of the deceased and the injured and prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and quick recovery for those receiving medical treatment.
The President called for caution and adherence to safety measures among road users, particularly fuel tanker operators.
Furthermore, he directed agencies in charge of enforcing traffic rules to implement measures to prevent recurring fuel tanker explosions nationwide.
In the same vein, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Benjamin Kalu and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, on Sunday, expressed deep sadness over the tanker explosion, which caused the death of several people, with many also injured in Enugu State.
The deputy speaker, in a statement, condoled the families of the victims as well as the government and people of the state, praying to God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
Wishing the injured quick recovery, Honourable Kalu also urged the relevant government agencies to provide relief materials to the bereaved, adding that the National Assembly will continue to support the Federal Government through budgetary allocation and legislative instruments.
He said: “I’m deeply concerned, it’s been one death too many. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families as well as the government and the people of Enugu State.
“I also want to use this opportunity to urge the Federal Government to take immediate action of addressing the deplorable state of our roads, especially the 9th mile expressway, provide safety measures and educate citizens to help prevent such tragedies in the future. It’s our responsibility to act now and protect ourselves.”
On his part, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Yilwatda expressed grief over the news, and also commiserated with the families of the victims.
He commended the security agencies, FRSC, SEMA and other relevant authorities that helped at the scene of the tragic accident.
The minister stressed the need to embark on intensive sensitisation campaigns to create awareness on the dangers of scooping of petroleum products by the public at the scene of tanker accident, the need for prompt emergency response by relevant Agencies as well as regular vehicle maintenance and adherence to road safety measures by drivers.
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