IPMAN Commiserates With Victims, Seeks Urgent End To Tanker Explosion:
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has commiserated with families of victims of Saturday fatal.
tanker accident at Ugwu-Onyeama area of Enugu-Onitsha expressway.
Mr Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman of IPMAN, Enugu Depot Community in charge of Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu states while speaking to journalists in Awka on Sunday expressed the worry over incessant tanker accidents in the country.
Authorities say several persons were feared killed in the accident with about eight vehicles being charred in the inferno.
Anyaso said the loss of lives and property associated with petrol tanker accident was colossal and required collective action to address urgently.
He commiserated with families of the deceased and owners of destroyed property while praying for repose of the souls of the dead.
“On behalf of marketers in Southeast, especially those attached to Enugu Depot, I want to express our deep sadness over the tanker explosion which occurred at Ugwu-Onyeama on Saturday.
“We are worried about this type of accident because of the heavy loss in terms of human lives and property that goes with it, just last June, we had a similar incident which also claimed lives and property.
“It is loss to families, loss to businesses of our members, loss to the general public and the entire economy, this is why we are calling for a multi stakeholders approach to solving the problem of incessant tanker accident.
“We want to console with families of the bereaved and those who suffered losses in the accident just as we pray that God will grant the souls of those that died eternal rest,” he said.
Anyaso called governors of Southeast States to create tanker parks where drivers could stay and break their journeys to prevent crashes caused by fatigue while calling on tanker drivers unions to strengthen safety compliance.
He said the use of foreign anti spill cover/manhole should be mandatory for all tankers to prevent spilling of product in the event that a loaded truck falls over.
“We need all stakeholders in the road transport sector including FRSC, NUPENG, VIO to rally together and enhance safety measures, we also need motorable roads to reduce tanker fall.
“Government can also begin to think about alternatives to road as a means of transporting petroleum products because the hazard on roads is becoming unbearable,” he said.
