On Sunday, a devastating auto crash occurred on the Ologbo Bridge along the Benin/Sapele expressway in Delta State, resulting in the tragic deaths of eight individuals who were burnt beyond recognition. The incident, which took place at approximately 1pm on October 1, also left seven people injured.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) spokesperson, Bisi Kazeem, confirmed this unfortunate event in a statement released in Abuja. Kazeem revealed that the collision involved 15 vehicles of various categories, including a Toyota Hiace Bus, two Ford Buses, a Volkswagen Passat, two J5 Peugeot buses, a Daylong Motorcycle, and eight Tankers.
“According to the report received from the FRSC rescue team, a total of 15 male adults were involved in the accident,” Kazeem stated. “Out of this number, seven individuals sustained injuries, while eight victims were tragically burned beyond recognition.”
The catalyst for this horrific incident was a tanker transporting Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) from Warri, Delta State. The truck overturned on the highway, causing the PMS to spill onto the road. Subsequently, the spilled fuel ignited, triggering a massive explosion that engulfed the aforementioned vehicles and claimed the lives of the 15 male victims.
Meanwhile, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Dauda Biu, issued a call to fleet operators, particularly owners of tankers carrying inflammable products, to prioritize safety measures by installing safety valves (anti-spill devices) in their vehicles. Biu emphasized that such precautions were crucial to prevent mishaps resulting from the absence of safety valves in tankers.
Biu also urged tanker owners and operators to adhere to all safety standards mandated by the government for the operation of this category of vehicles on Nigerian roads. Additionally, he directed commanding officers to ensure that tankers failing to meet safety standards were prohibited from plying the highways.
NAN
