The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, GCON, has lamented the tanker explosion that occurred on the Zaria-Kano highway on Monday, describing the accident as unfortunate.
The accident occurred around 8.30.am in Dan Magaji area of the highway in Zaria when a Liquefied Natural Gas (LPG) tanker traveling to Kano rammed into the rear of an empty fuel tanker due to a tyre blowout, triggering an explosion, with initial reports suggesting several fatalities.
However, the Chairman of Zaria Local Government, Engr. Jamil Ahmad Muhammad, confirmed that there were no fatalities, as only four persons got injured and were safely evacuated to the hospital, where they received immediate medical attention. He also debunked reports suggesting that two commercial Golf vehicles were involved in the accident.
Similarly, relevant authorities such as the Kaduna State Police Command, the Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Zaria, Nasir Falgore, and the Area Commander of the Federal Fire Service in Zaria, Aminu Kiyawa confirmed there were no fatalities.
With the assistance of the chairman of Zaria Local Government, personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps were able to control traffic on the ever-busy highway, while men of the Federal Fire Service worked tirelessly to put out the raging fire.
In a statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker bemoaned the accident, noting that such accidents are avoidable.
He cautioned motorists to always adhere to safety standards and avoid violating the rules guiding driving.
Speaker Abbas wished the injured quick recovery.
