The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Engr. Jaji Abdulganiyu, has visited a private hospital, Cedacrest Hospital, Apo,
in Abuja, where victims of Wednesday’s tanker explosion at Karu bridge were receiving treatment.
The CG lamented the horrendous incident where lives were lost and several vehicles burnt beyond recognition in the inferno.
He called for strict enforcement of ban against movement of articulated vehicles at an unapproved hours.
The Fire Service boss, who was on the visit with his management team, called on all other security agencies to ensure strict enforcement on the roads.
“What is important is enforcement. All the security agencies, especially the Road Safety, the Fire Service and the Police among others should come together to ensure strict adherence to road safety rules and regulations. “
Speaking further, he said recklessness among tanker drivers is responsible for the disasters.
He said strict enforcement is needed to tame the excesses of the articulated vehicles on the highways.
“If truck drivers have been mandated not to move at the particular period, security agencies that are concerned must be there to make sure that they don’t move, otherwise, this is kind of calamity will continue to happen.
“Fire Service can not be everywhere. If we are in our office we might not know what will happen in the next hour and if nobody calls us on time we might not be able to help. That’s why some people will say Fire Service doesn’t respond quickly, they forget that we are not magicians. It is when we get information that we will respond.
“It is our own responsibility to ensure that Fire does not break at all. Prevention of fire is more cheaper than mitigation of disaster.”
He assured that the Federal Fire Service remains committed to responding swiftly to any emergencies, ensuring that such devastating events do not lead to even worse consequences.
On her part, a consultant Anaesthetist, Dr. Kate Edionhon, confirmed that two of the patients in their facility were stable while only one is in critical condition.
