Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senatorial District, on Tuesday, has extended her sympathies to those affected by a recent incident of tanker explosion in the Maitama area of the city.
Speaking through her Senior Legislative Aide, Dr Chris Omofoma, Kingibe assured the community that the situation will be thoroughly investigated to uncover the cause.
Recall a fuel laden tanker exploded in Maitama, a highbrow area of Abuja, after colliding with a Sienna on Monday evening.
“We are here on behalf of the Senator to express our heartfelt sympathies to those impacted. While it is unfortunate that properties were damaged, we are grateful that no lives were lost. Properties can always be replaced, but human lives are irreplaceable.
“As for assistance, nothing is confirmed at the moment, but typically, once the situation has been fully assessed and evaluated, we will determine if any support is needed. Our presence here is to evaluate the damage and determine how best to assist. This shows the Senator’s commitment to the people of the FCT and her dedication to fulfilling her responsibilities.
“Since the Senator cannot be everywhere at once, she sent us to assess the situation, offer condolences, and ensure that the people of the FCT are safe and protected,” the Senator stated.
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He further emphasized the need to investigate both the immediate and underlying causes of the incident.
“Was the driver distracted or possibly fatigued? Why did he fail to notice the parked vehicle in time? Additionally, why was the other vehicle parked in such a dangerous location, right at the intersection? These are the critical questions that authorities must thoroughly address in their investigation.
He added “This is especially important because the road in question is not a highway. It raises the concern of why the driver failed to notice the hazard ahead and take preventive action. Defensive driving is key – anticipating the actions of others on the road is a fundamental aspect of being a responsible driver.”
Also speaking Abba Magaji who witnessed the tanker explosion recounted how it happened.
“Two vehicles were driving at a high speed by the side of the truck, one of the vehicles passed safely, a Mazda, passed hurriedly passed to the rear of the truck. As the truck driver continued, he realized he was about to collide with the Mazda.
“In an attempt to avoid the crash, he swerved, but when trying to correct his path, he found a Sienna on the other side. While trying to navigate between the two vehicles, the truck overturned,” he narrated.
As at the time of filing this report, the tanker debris was evacuated from the scene, including a Sienna which was also got burnt as a result of the inferno.
