The Senator Representing Enugu East Senatorial Zone, Senator Kelvin Chizoba Chukwu, has shared his heartfelt condolences with the families of those who tragically lost their lives in the devastating fuel tanker accident that occurred on the Ugwu Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway on Saturday, 25th January 2025.
In a statement released today, Senator Chukwu expressed deep sorrow over the horrific incident, which caused a catastrophic fire, claiming the lives of several innocent people and leaving others severely injured.
“It is with profound sorrow and the heaviest of hearts that I address the tragic accident that occurred yesterday, 25th January, at around 11:00 am, along the Ugwu Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. This was a heartbreaking tragedy that has taken so many lives and left families in grief,” said the senator.
He extended his deepest sympathies to the grieving families, adding, “My thoughts are with the families who are dealing with this unimaginable loss. To those who were injured, I pray for your full recovery. This is a devastating moment for our state and for all of us, and as your representative, I stand with you in your pain.”
Senator Chukwu also acknowledged the bravery of the emergency responders, security personnel, and ordinary citizens who rushed to the scene to help. “In such a grim moment, the courage and selflessness shown by the emergency teams and the good people of our community who helped in any way they could is truly inspiring,” he said.
Reflecting on the incident, the senator highlighted the urgent need for improved road safety and better infrastructure. “This tragedy underscores how desperately we need to address the state of our roads. It is a wake-up call for all of us, and I call on the Federal Government to act swiftly and resolve issues that are delaying critical repairs on this expressway,” he said, urging the government to resolve ongoing issues that have stalled road construction in the area.
Senator Chukwu also promised to ensure the accident wouldn’t be forgotten and pledged to work toward long-term solutions. “As your representative, I will make sure that a thorough investigation is conducted to determine the cause of this tragedy, and I’ll push for clear accountability. We cannot let this become just another statistic. We need lasting solutions to prevent this from happening again.”
In his message, the senator emphasized the importance of addressing not only the state of the roads but also vehicle safety standards. “We must also advocate for stricter inspection of vehicles, particularly tankers, to make sure they are fit for the roads and have safety measures in place to prevent spills in case of accidents,” he said.
He urged the good people of the state to support the families affected by the tragedy. “In this moment of sorrow, let us come together as a community to support those who have lost loved ones. Let us mourn with them, stand by them, and honour the memory of the departed by working together to make our roads safer,” he added.
Senator Chukwu prayed for the souls of those who passed away. “May their souls find eternal peace, and may their families find strength and comfort in this difficult time. We will continue to fight for safer roads and a more secure environment for all,” he said.
