Senator Ezea Enugu North Senatorial District
The Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District has expressed sadness over the tragic tanker explosion that occurred on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Ugwu-Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha expressway, killing 18 people and causing injuries to many others and a lot of damage to property.
In a statement released on Monday – today, January 27 – Senator Ezea extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The Senator also called for the consideration of banning fuel-laden tankers from all Nigerian roads in the daytime to minimize incessant fuel tanker explosions.
“The tragedy of Saturday, January 25, at the Ugwu Onyeama section of the Enugu–Onitsha expressway, which reportedly claimed scores of lives, has caused me mental torture. A tanker filled with petrol fell, caught fire, and exploded on the expressway. At least 17 vehicles were trapped, leading to the loss of lives and property.
“Once more, Nigerians have been roasted alive due to no fault of theirs. Unlike tanker explosions elsewhere in recent times, the tanker fire at Ugwu Onyeama in Enugu State was not triggered by people who were scooping fuel from a fallen tanker; the accident was caused by the tanker’s brake failure, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps.
“On behalf of the good people of Enugu North Senatorial District, I extend heartfelt condolences to the families of the dead and wish the injured a speedy recovery.
“I have always believed that many of the fuel tankers plying our roads are not roadworthy, and the supervisory authorities allow them to escape scrutiny. Given the bad state of our roads, it’s time to consider banning fuel-laden tankers from all Nigerian roads in the daytime, they should not be seen on the roads before midnight.
“Ordinarily, fuel should be conveyed through pipelines and not by tankers plying the same roads with other motorists. The need to keep our roads motorable and ensure competent supervision of vehicles has become more urgent,” he said.
