The Federal Road Safety Corps has commiserated with the families of the victims, as well as the Government of Jigawa State, affected by the unfortunate tanker explosion.
FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed expressed this in a statement from the office of the Corps Public Education Officer on Wednesday in Abuja.
Mohammed, who conveyed his condolences to the people of Jigawa
State, stated that his thoughts and prayers were with the affected families and the residents of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the unfortunate incident occurred in Majia, Jigawa State, where 94 people were burnt to death while scooping Premium Motor Spirit from a fallen tanker.
The FRSC boss explained that this incident underscored the importance of adhering to safety regulations at all times.
He, however, urged all road users to exercise caution and to always await the FRSC’s emergency and rescue operatives to handle any such emergencies.
He further stated that it was the Corps’s responsibility to advise the public that whenever an incident of this nature occurred, they should endeavour to stay well away from the tanker.
This, he said, was because the product contained highly flammable substances, which could result in severe injuries and fatalities.
“You may recall that, according to available reports, the fire was ignited when the villagers rushed out to scoop fuel from a detached tanker of a DAF vehicle that crashed on that route about an hour after the crash.
“The lone crash, which had no casualties as the driver and conductor survived without any injuries, occurred when the DAF tanker, loaded with Premium Motor Spirit, attempted to dodge a speed bump while travelling at high speed.
“The resultant impact of the driver’s action while at high speed detached the tanker from the body of the articulated vehicle,” he said.
The Corps Marshal directed a further investigation into the crash and issued immediate orders to Commanding Officers at the various tank farms to expedite action.
He stated that this should ensure that all tankers observed the minimum safety standards before being allowed to convey inflammable substances.
The FRSC boss noted that the injured victims had been taken to Ringim General Hospital, Jahun General Hospital, and Khadija Clinic Majia for urgent medical attention.
NAN reports that authorities say the death toll from the petrol tanker explosion in Majiya town, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa, on Wednesday, has risen to 147.
The Chairman of Taura LG, Shu’aibu Hambali, confirmed the latest casualty figure on Wednesday evening while speaking live on a local radio station, Arewa Radio.
Meanwhile, a mass burial has been held for the 147 victims who died while scooping fuel from the tanker wreckage.
(NAN)
