Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, expressed deep regret over a devastating tanker fire on the Eleme section of the East-West Road. The incident, which occurred on Friday night, resulted in tragic loss of life and extensive vehicle damage.
Fubara, joined by Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu and State Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu, visited the scene on Saturday morning to assess the situation firsthand. He lamented the avoidable nature of the accident, emphasizing that caution among motorists could have prevented the catastrophe.
The fire, sparked by a tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit, erupted between Indorama Gate and Aleto Bridge. Fubara conveyed his shock at the horrific scene and immediately mobilized security agencies to ensure the area’s security and prevent further escalation.
Acknowledging the urgency of the situation, Fubara urged relevant government agencies to provide detailed reports to facilitate swift and effective response measures. He emphasized the need to support affected families and mitigate the losses incurred.
Reflecting on the broader issue of road safety, Fubara stressed the importance of responsible driving, particularly on hazardous routes like the East-West Road. Despite the tragic outcome, he pledged to explore avenues for post-incident management and control.
“We all know the situation of this road,” Fubara remarked. “It is really unfortunate. Most of our people, when plying this road, should ply it with caution.”
While acknowledging the irreparable damage caused by the accident, Fubara reiterated his commitment to addressing its aftermath and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
