Enugu: Gov Mbah Expresses Shock at Fuel Tanker Accident Scene, Government Takes Over Treatment of Injured Victims
● Ferdy Agu
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed deep sadness over a tragic accident involving a fuel tanker along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, which claimed the lives of 11 individuals.
The governor, who visited the accident scene for an on-the-spot assessment, assured that his administration had already mobilized resources to ensure that the injured received full medical care. He further stated that the government was taking proactive steps to prevent future occurrences, including enforcing road regulations and addressing the poor condition of the federal road where the incident occurred.
Describing the accident as a grave tragedy, Mbah extended his condolences to the families of the deceased. He emphasized that the government’s priority was to provide necessary support to the victims and their loved ones.
In an immediate directive, the governor tasked the Enugu Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Franklin Agbakoba, and the State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Obi Ozor, to ensure that all tankers transporting inflammable substances in the state were equipped with anti-spill locks to prevent future disasters.
“This accident involved a tanker that, according to preliminary investigations, suffered a brake failure, overturned, spilled its contents, and ignited. It is a tragedy that has claimed lives, but we are committed to finding the root cause of this incident through ongoing investigations by the police and other relevant agencies,” Mbah stated.
He added, “As part of our immediate response, we have ensured that survivors in need of medical attention were promptly taken to hospitals. I have instructed the Commissioner for Health, my Special Adviser on Health, and the Chief Medical Director of Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital (ESUTTH) to provide maximum care to the injured. The Federal Road Safety Corps and the police are fully involved as well.”
Continuing, the governor outlined measures to forestall such incidents in the future. “We are engaging the FRSC to strictly enforce rules requiring all tanker drivers to install anti-spill locks. This will ensure that even in cases of accidents, inflammable products do not spill, reducing the risk of fires,” he noted.
Beyond regulatory enforcement, Mbah also pledged to address the underlying infrastructural issues contributing to road accidents. “As a state government, we will not wait for the federal government to rehabilitate the bad portions of this road. We are stepping in immediately to fix the affected section to ensure safety for road users,” he stated.
Speaking to the governor, the FRSC Sector Commander, Mr. Franklin Agbakoba, explained that their preliminary findings revealed that the accident was caused by a brake failure on the part of the tanker. He disclosed that 11 lives were lost at the scene, while injured victims were promptly rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Agbakoba commended Governor Mbah for his swift response and leadership in the wake of the tragedy. “The governor’s presence at the scene and his decision to take over the medical treatment of survivors reflect a commendable commitment to the welfare of the people,” he said.
A senior resident of the area, Mr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, lauded the governor’s proactive approach and called for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations. “This incident is a wake-up call for better tanker regulations and improved road infrastructure. The government’s swift intervention is a step in the right direction,” he remarked.
Another eyewitness, Mrs. Uche Odo, recounted the horror of the accident and expressed gratitude for the government’s immediate response. “We watched helplessly as the tanker fell and exploded. The governor’s actions have given hope to the injured and bereaved families,” she said.
Governor Mbah reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Enugu residents. “Our administration will continue to prioritize the well-being of our people, enforce necessary safety measures, and ensure that such tragedies are prevented in the future,” he assured. GMTNewsng
