Concerned about the rising incidents of explosions involving cargo vehicles, especially tankers carrying flammable materials on Nigerian roads, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, has initiated extensive stakeholder engagements to ensure strict adherence to maximum safety standards, including the mandatory installation of speed limiters.
Shehu stated this in the wake of the fatal road traffic crash that involved a Mazda saloon car and a tanker conveying gas that exploded and went into flames, killing 2 people and destroying properties on Obirikwerre bridge on the East-West road in Rivers State on Tuesday, 4 June, 2024 at 0800HRS.
FRSC report on preliminary investigation carried out by the emergency rescue teams deployed to the scene of the crash revealed that the crash which was caused by speed violation involved a total of 5 people. While 2 were killed, the remaining 3 were rescued without injury.
Expectedly, as part of concerted proactive measures put in place to mitigate this avoidable road carnage, the Corps Marshal also directed Sector Commanders to intensify enforcement on installation of speed limit device as well as enhance awareness campaigns.
He emphasised that while carrying out enforcement, they must amongst other things ascertain that these category of vehicles comply with the policy on installation of speed limit device, safety valves (anti spill), and other necessary safety components.
This directive is in line with the 6 United Nations conventions acceded to by the Federal Road Safety Corps, especially the agreement on international carriage of dangerous goods by road.
Shehu commiserated with the families of the bereaved praying God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
