By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
The lawmaker representing Aninri, Awgu, and Oji-River federal constituency, Representative Anayo Onwuegbu, has expressed sorrow over the tanker explosion that took place at the weekend on Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
The incident, which occurred along the Ugwu-Onyeama section of the Expressway on Saturday when a fuel-laden tanker lost control, resulted in an explosion that claimed at least 18 lives and left several others injured.
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has visited the scene, commiserated with families of the dead and declared that the State government will foot the medical bills of the injured.
Onwuegbu, in a statement on Monday, January 27, in Enugu, extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, offered prayers for repose of souls of the deceased and wished recovery to those currently receiving medical care.
He described the event as a heartbreaking tragedy that has mpacted not only the families involved but the entire region.
Rep Onwuegbu called on the Federal Ministry of Works to “urgently complete” the second lane of the expressway to minimise accidents.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the injuries sustained from this horrific accident.
“On behalf of the people of Aninri, Awgu and Oji-River Constituency, our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families,” Onwuegbu said.
The lawmaker also commended the swift response of the Enugu State Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the State Emergency Management Agency and other emergency responders who worked tirelessly to manage the aftermath of the explosion.
He, however, emphasised the importance of strengthening traffic safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“We must not allow such an incident to occur again.
“I call on relevant authorities to consider enforcing more stringent safety measures on the roads and urge the Federal Government to expedite the completion of the second lane of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
“This would help ease congestion and reduce the risk of future accidents,” he noted.
Rep Onwuegbu noted that as the community and state mourns over the tragedy , “I pray for the eternal rest of those who lost their lives and for the recovery of the injured. May God grant eternal rest to the departed and provide strength for the injured to recover rapidly.”
“I urge all road users to prioritise safety to avoid such devastating accidents,” he advised.
