Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi have mourned victims of fuel tanker explosion which resulted in the loss of lives on Saturday.
It was reported that the fuel tanker spiralled out of control and burst into the flames while navigating the Ugwu-Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
Tinubu commiserated with the families of the deceased and the injured and prays for the repose of the souls of the departed and quick recovery for those receiving medical treatment.
He also consoled with the government and the people of Enugu state, called for caution and adherence to safety measures among road users, particularly fuel tanker operators.
Furthermore, he directed the agencies in charge of enforcing traffic rules to implement measures to prevent recurring fuel tanker explosions nationwide.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar who was grieved over the incident on X said, “Oh dear, not again! My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of all the victims in the fuel tanker explosion in Enugu state.
“May their souls find eternal rest. The incidents of tragic tanker explosions have reached emergency levels. It is time for the government to establish an inquiry into this issue”, the 2023 People’s Democratic Party PDP Presidential Candidate added.
On X, 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi reacting to the explosion said exactly one week after the same explosion occurred in Niger State that killed nearly a hundred persons and injured many, adding that another just been reported in Enugu leaving 15 persons dead.
According to him, “The frequency of occurrence of these tragic incidents is very concerning. This month alone, there have been at least three of such devastating accidents, across the country, resulting in the loss of precious lives and properties.
“We must begin to truly prioritise the safety and security of lives and property by implementing measures that drastically mitigate the occurrence of these accidents, which have now become too many.
“We need to focus on fixing our existing roads, implementing strict road safety measures and educating our people on observing the right protocols around accident scenes.
“My heart goes out to the families who are devastated by the loss of their loved ones to this terrible accident. I also sympathise with the government and people of Enugu State over this tragic occurrence. 
“May God grant eternal rest to the dead and grant quick healing to the injured. May God grant us the fortitude to bear such irreplaceable loss, Peter Obi concluded.
Report has it that tragedy struck in Enugu yesterday as a petrol tanker exploded at the Ugwu Onyeama section of the Enugu- Onitsha Expressway, killing no fewer than 18 people, including three children.
Thirteen others were rescued, according to a statement signed by the spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps, Olusegun Ogungbemide.
Ogungbemide attributed the accident to brake failure, adding that it involved 17 vehicles, including a petrol tanker, a water tanker, 15 cars, and a tricycle.
Eleven vehicles were burnt in the inferno while emergency responders managed to rescue 10 victims with varying degrees of injuries. Three escaped unscathed while the remaining 18 victims were burnt beyond recognition.
Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, who visited the scene of the accident yesterday, expressed sadness, saying that government had already swung into action to ensure that the victims received full medical attention.
