The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has emphasised the need for enhanced safety measures to prevent the recurrence of gas tanker explosions in the country.
The minister said this in a statement by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Jonathan Eze, on Thursday in Abuja, in response to the tanker explosion that occurred in Karu, Abuja, on Wednesday.
She expressed her condolences to the victims and families affected by the explosion, which took place near Karu Bridge along the Nyanya-Mararaba-Keffi road.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this unfortunate incident.
“The loss of lives and property is a painful reminder of the need for increased safety measures to prevent such occurrences.
“As we mourn, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish the injured a swift recovery,” the minister said.
In related news, Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide, Spokesman for the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), confirmed that six people lost their lives, and 25 others were injured in the multiple-vehicle crash.
He attributed the crash to brake failure, which triggered a chain reaction involving 18 vehicles.