Victims of Abuja tanker explosion in stable condition, says hospital

The Cedacrest Hospital in Apo says Rachael Chukwuemeka, a police inspector, and two other victims of Wednesday’s tanker explosion in Abuja are now in stable condition.

On March 19, the driver of a CNG-powered articulated truck lost control of the vehicle along the Abuja-Keffi expressway, ramming into vehicles, including a petrol tanker, during rush hour.

An explosion ensued that claimed six lives with many sustaining various degrees of injuries. Several vehicles were also burnt beyond recognition.

Jaji Abdulganiyu, controller general of the federal fire service, who visited some of the victims receiving medical attention at the hospital, expressed sadness over the incident.

Abdulganiyu, who visited Cedacrest Hospital with his management team, called for strict enforcement of the ban against movement of articulated vehicles at unapproved hours, particularly during the early hours and in the evenings when workers are returning home.

He also urged other security agencies to ensure strict enforcement of safety standards on the roads.

“What is important is enforcement. All the security agencies, especially the Road Safety, the Fire Service and the police among others should come together to ensure strict adherence to road safety rules and regulations,” he said.

Abdulganiyu added that he and his team prevented another disaster at the same spot the following day.

“If truck drivers have been mandated not to move at particular periods, security agencies that are concerned must be there to make sure that they don’t move, otherwise, this kind of calamity will continue to happen,” he said.

“Fire service cannot be everywhere. If we are in our office we might not know what will happen in the next hour and if nobody calls us on time we might not be able to help.

“That’s why some people will say fire service doesn’t respond quickly. They forget that we are not magicians. It is when we get information that we will respond.

“It is our own responsibility to ensure that fire does not break at all. Prevention of fire is cheaper than mitigation of disaster.”

Abdulganiyu assured that the federal fire service remains committed to responding swiftly to emergencies.

Kate Edionhon, a consultant anaesthetist, said two of the patients in the facility are stable while one is in critical condition.