President Bola Tinubu on Sunday extended his condolences to the families of the victims of the fire incident at the Eleme section of the East-West Road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
What would become a deadly inferno began at 09:15 p.m. Friday when a heavy-duty truck collided with a petrol-laden tanker from behind amidst heavy traffic, opening the valve of the petrol truck.
The ensuing inferno burned about 70 vehicles and killed at least five persons adjacent to the Indorama Petrochemical Company located along the Akpojo-Onne axis of the East-West Road.
“Commiserating with the government and people of Rivers State on this tragedy, which resulted in the loss of precious lives and property, President Tinubu prays for the speedy recovery of those injured in the incident,” read a statement by the President’s spokesperson on Sunday.
The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu mourns victims of tanker fire incident in Rivers State.’
The President directed federal agencies in the state to continue liaising with the state government to provide much-needed immediate support to all victims of the incident.
He also commended the first responders in Rivers State for their bravery and dedication in assisting those affected by the accident.
Tinubu expressed confidence that stricter safety regulations for the transportation of petroleum products will be implemented to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Meanwhile, the President’s wife, Mrs. Olufemi Tinubu, condoled with the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the families of those who lost loved ones in the horrific petroleum tanker explosion.
“Losing lives in such a sudden and devastating way is heartbreaking.
“My thoughts and prayers are with those who are grieving this immense loss.
“May God grant the souls of the departed eternal rest,” said the First Lady in a statement she signed Sunday.
