Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Two persons have died while one other person sustained serious injuries on Friday night as a tanker laden with petroleum products crashed and caught fire in Ebonyi State.
The tanker driver, it was gathered, lost control of the vehicle atop the fly over at the State International Airport junction, Onueke, on the Abakaliki- Afikpo highway.
The truck crashed into the bridge’s shoulders, fell sideways and caught fire killing two persons while another sustained serious injuries and was later rushed to hospital.
Senior Special Assistant to Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru on Petroleum, Nnaemeka John Nwafor, confirmed the incident.
He said the body of the victims have been deposited at the Mortuary.
The SSA called on motorists, pedestrians and other road users not to panic over the incident as Ebonyi State Government had brought the ugly situation under control by creating free flow of traffic in the Area.
“There is no cause to be afraid over the petrol tanker accident at Onueke Airport flyover junction as the Ebonyi State Government is highly on top of it to stop the menace and create free flow of traffic in the the area.
“The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), other security agencies and the men of the Ebonyi State fire service were on ground to ensure free flow of traffic.
He commended the men of Ebonyi State Fire Service for their tireless effort in putting off the fire and further appreciated the youths who assisted in the exercise.
“People are advised to obey the directives of security agencies on the diversion of roads; and it’s obedience to roads signs that guarantees a hitch free traffic flow.
“Motorists are advised to be cautious of the area as the government is on top gear to ensure a hitch free evacuation of the affected tanker.
“The Government of His Excellency Rt Hon Bldr Nwifuru Francis Ogbonna is committed to safeguarding the lives and properties of the people.
“Let’s continue to support the State Government as it discharges its responsibility towards the people,” he said.
