Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has expressed deep sorrow over the petrol tanker explosion on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, which claimed 11 lives on Saturday.
During a visit to the Ugwu-Onyeama accident site for an on-the-spot assessment, the governor disclosed that immediate steps had been taken to provide full medical care to the victims.
He also announced plans to prevent future tragedies, including enforcing road safety regulations and repairing the damaged portion of the federal road.
Describing the incident as “unfortunate,” Governor Mbah sympathized with the victims’ families and emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring such incidents do not recur.
He directed Franklin Agbakoba, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) sector commander in Enugu, and Obi Ozor, the state Commissioner for Transport, to ensure all tankers carrying flammable materials are equipped with anti-spill locks to minimize risks during accidents.
“This accident involved a tanker that, based on preliminary investigations, may have suffered a brake failure, overturned, and spilled premium motor spirit, which ignited. However, the investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement agencies are on the case,” Governor Mbah said.
The governor confirmed that injured victims had been transported to hospitals and were receiving comprehensive medical care.
“My health commissioner, special adviser on health, the chief medical director of Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital, the police, and the FRSC are all working together to provide maximum medical attention to the survivors,” he stated.
He added that the government would introduce traffic safety measures to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents in the future.
In his briefing to the governor, FRSC sector commander Franklin Agbakoba confirmed that the tanker spill resulted from brake failure, leading to the explosion.
He reported that 11 people lost their lives, while several injured individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals.
Mr. Agbakoba commended Governor Mbah for his swift response and commitment to covering the medical expenses of the injured.