After a fuel tanker collapsed onto the Asaba-Onitsha freeway, commuters and locals in Asaba, the capital of Delta State, abandoned the route.
It was discovered that as petroleum spilled into the Ajaji (Bonsac) gutter from the road, locals and commuters fled the area in fear of an explosion.
Residents and commuters using the route were alarmed by the truck that fell along Ezenei Axis at approximately 7 p.m. on Tuesday due to poor road conditions, according to information obtained by PUNCH Metro.
Over the years, a number of incidents had occurred on the dreadful route, which had turned into a nightmare for commuters and locals.
Since water trucks were also on standby in case of an explosion, it was reported that state fire and Nigeria Police personnel who were on the ground blocking both sides of the road had slept there to avoid scooping.
The truck was still parked along the road when The PUNCH arrived on Wednesday morning, causing traffic jams. It was reported that water and chemicals had been dumped on the road, but homeowners and onlookers were still concerned.
Some residents who spoke to our correspondent, Mr Eugene Ekene, expressed disappointment over the recurrence of accidents on the road and the sufferings of the masses.
“We thanked God that there was no explosion last night. The tanker fell around 7 pm, and every one of us started running. I even saw my leg; I broke my leg when we were running (sic).
“This morning we came and the fuel is smelling everywhere, my fear is that let it not draw fire from this woman frying akara here (sic). We have been talking but won’t she won’t listen to us because the police have gone,” he lamented.
A human rights activist and resident of the area, Mr Okolo Linus, expressed appreciation to the state police command and the state fire service for their efforts to prevent scooping that would have led to the explosion.
He said, “I want to commend Delta State Police command and the State fire service for the efforts put in to prevent scooping and possible explosion, I criticise the lackadaisical attitude of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori towards this road.
“Even though the road is a Federal road, conscience would have compelled the governor to fix the road for the sake of the road users, since President Bola Tinubu is adamant on fixing the road, maybe because he derives joy in the tears of Nigerians when bloodshed happened.”
About The Author
