Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has expressed profound regret over the catastrophic tanker explosion that claimed the lives of a pregnant woman and four others, while incinerating approximately 120 vehicles.
The calamity struck on the congested Eleme stretch of the East-West Road, near the Indorama Petro-Chemical Company Gate and Aleto Bridge, an area currently under significant renovation by the Federal Government.
Governor Fubara, alongside top state officials, visited the scene on Saturday morning and was met with harrowing devastation.
In a statement relayed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, the governor labeled the event a “great tragedy.”
Reflecting on the incident, Governor Fubara remarked, “It is a very sad day in our dear State. Something happened in Eleme, along the route of Indorama Petrochemical and Fertiliser Company Limited. A tanker had an issue with a tipper, and there was an unfortunate situation that caused the State a very devastating loss.
“I went there this morning to see for myself what happened, and I can tell you, I’ve not been happy since then. With all the dramas in our State, it is not even proper for us to add that to it.
“But it wasn’t our fault. It was just what impatience caused. The tanker driver, knowing the state of that road, was not patient, and it resulted in that colossal loss. Over 120 vehicles were completely burnt, and five lives were lost. It was very unfortunate.”
“We are here to see for ourselves and get first-hand information of the incident of what happened yesterday night.
“About 7.30 – 8pm, we got information of the gravity of the incident. I was told that it was caused by a tanker vehicle that was conveying Premium Motor Spirit.
“In fact, I got the information through the MD of Indorama, and I immediately alerted the security agencies to make sure they take control of the security situation in the area.
“And from what we are seeing this morning, it was not a pleasant case. We recorded a huge number of vehicles destroyed and lives lost.”
“I have already asked the relevant agencies to give us a full brief so that we can come into the situation fully by seeing to how much we can support the families that are bereaved, and also cushion the effect of the losses, which I believe, is no fault of a good number of them.
“We all know the situation of this road. It is really unfortunate. Most of our people, when plying this road, should ply it with caution.
“I believe very strongly that this situation would have been avoidable, if the motorists had behaved properly. But it is late already. The damage has happened. This is the situation we have found ourselves in. We will see how we can control the aftermath,” he added.
