The Senate Alliance South-East Senatorial District yesterday mourned the victims of Saturday’s petrol tanker explosion that killed at least 18 persons in Enugu State. The driver of the fuel carrier lost control while driving along the Ugwu-Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onyesha Expressway, causing the vehicle to overturn and burst into flames.

Eight other vehicles were also set ablaze. The council also regretted that a similar accident occurred in Niger State.

In a statement by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, the South East House of Assembly regretted the loss of lives in the tanker explosion in Enugu. The leader of the senatorial group said he was mortified that Nigerians were literally burning on the streets due to avoidable accidents and called on relevant authorities to mobilize immediately to nip future accidents in the bud.

The delegation also added that it was saddened by the fact that innocent people, especially road users, are often involved in accidents that remind road managers of their utter disregard for the nation’s roads. According to Awalibe, “similar accidents happened in Niger State and Nigeria is still reeling from the pain and shock.

It is time for road managers to rethink their work. The frequency of these accidents is shaming the country.” We cannot continue to lose our people in this manner.”