By Chidi Ugwu
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) on Saturday confirmed that no fewer than 18 lives were lost when a petroleum ladened tanker crashed onto other vehicles in Enugu State.
In a statement, the Federal Road Safety Corps spokesperson, Oluwasegun Ogungbemide, said the rescue teams of the Federal Road Safety Corps have endured another long duration of tactical operations as they successfully rescued 13 motorists from a fire related crash on 25 January, 2024 in Enugu.
“The crash which occurred as a result of break failure involved 17 vehicles in the category of 1 petroleum ladened tanker, 1 water tanker, 15 other vehicles and 1 tricycle.
“A total of 31 people were involved in the crash. 10 were rescued with different degrees of injuries while 3 got rescued unharmed. Unfortunately, the 18 remaining victims were burnt beyond recognition.
“From the preliminary report received by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, the tanker which was loaded with premium motor spirit experienced break failure and the driver lost grip of the wheels before crashing onto the 17 vehicles leading to a fire outbreak that left 11 vehicles burnt.
“The Executive Governor of Enugu State, Bar. Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Honourable Commissioners for Transportation and Health, Enugu State Commissioner of Police, FRSC Zonal Commanding Officer in charge of RS9 ENUGU, the Sector Commander Enugu and State Director Department of State Services all participated in the rescue operations.
“In other to ensure ease of movement along that route, traffic has been diverted to the inward Enugu lane. While evacuation of burnt vehicles is on-going.
“The Corps Marshal has therefore called on motorists plying the said road to exercise caution and use the alternative routes for safety and ease of vehicular movement while he commiserates with the families of the victims and wishes the injured quick recovery”.
