By Chidi Ugwu
Disturbed by the sad incident that happened in Majia, Jigawa State, where 94 people got burnt to death while scooping Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), from a fallen tanker; the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed deeply commiserates with the families of the victims, as well the Government of Jigawa State stating that his thoughts and prayers are with the affected families and the people of the State.
Olusegun Ogungbemide, the Assistant Corps Marshal, Corps Public Education Officer, conveyed the Corps Marshal’s message in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday.
While explaining that the unfortunate incident underscores the importance of adhering to safety regulations at all times, he urged all road users to exercise caution, and always await FRSC emergency and rescue operatives to handle any of such emergencies.
He further stated that it behoves on the Corps to advise the public that whenever an incident of this nature occurs, they should endeavour to stay very far from the tanker, because the product contained therein is always highly flammable and can result to severe injuries and deaths.
You may recall that from available reports, the fire was ignited when the villagers rushed out to scoop fuel from detached tanker of a DAF vehicle that crashed on that route about an hour after the crash.
The lone crash which had no casualties as the driver and conductor survived without any injuries, occurred when the DAF Tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit attempted to dodge a speed bump while on a high speed. The resultant impact of the driver’s action while on high speed, detached the tanker from the body of the articulated vehicle.
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To this end, the Corps Marshal has directed further investigation into the crash as well as issued instant orders to Commanding Officers at the various tank farms to expedite action towards ensuring that all tankers observe the minimum safety standards before they are allowed to convey inflammable substances.
The injured victims have been rescued to Ringim General Hospital, Jahun General Hospital, and Khadija Clinic Majia for urgent medical attention.
