A tanker spilled its loaded content on the road at Upper Iweka Road in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The spillage led to a fire incident that resulted in the death of some people and the destruction of several buildings and business premises in the commercial area.
It was reported that men of the fire service couldn’t put out the fire when they arrived on the scene due to a faulty valves.
President Muhammadu Buhari and Atiku Abubakar, the opposition presidential candidate has reacted to the incident.
The duo expressed sadness over the development while consoling victims of the unfortunate situation.
“The fire incident in Onitsha yesterday is sad and regrettable. I am profoundly touched by the sight of the charred remains of an innocent mother and her child, who are victims of this tragedy,” President Buhari said in a statement posted on his social media accounts.
“I extend my sympathies to all the victims of the explosion, whose houses, shops and other property were destroyed,” he said.
Demands action on road safety standards
“I am calling for urgent action on the part of those concerned to stem these frequent fatal disasters on public roads. Safety precautions and routine maintenance, often taken for granted by vehicle owners, must be enforced.
“I call on the Ministry of Transport, the Federal Road Safety Commission and other stakeholders to urgently address the issue of safety standards in Nigeria, with a view to stemming the frequency of these tragedies. May the souls of the dead rest in peace Amen,” he added.
Tanker explosion preventable – Atiku
Mr Abubakar popularly known as Atiku in his reaction said the explosion can be prevented
“We’ve had many preventable fuel tanker tragedies. I received with sadness, reports of a tanker explosion in Onitsha, Anambra State, which caused massive destruction to lives and properties in Ochanja Market area. My prayers and thoughts are with the families of the affected,” the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the last general election said in a tweet Thursday morning.
