Jonathan orders relief for survivors as 89 get mass burial

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday expressed sadness over the loss of lives in the Ahoada tanker fire.
He has also directed federal relief and health agencies to do everything possible to ensure that all those who survived the explosion with burns and injuries receive prompt and effective medical attention.
A statement by presidential spokesman Dr. Reuben Abati said:
“President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is deeply saddened by the loss of many lives caused by an explosion resulting from the leakage of fuel from a fallen tanker at Okogbe, Rivers State today.
“President Jonathan is particularly distraught by the fact that once again, so many Nigerian lives have been lost in an avoidable fuel fire disaster.
“The President has directed federal relief and health agencies to do everything possible to ensure that all those who survived the explosion with burns and injuries receive prompt and effective medical attention.
“He conveys his sincerest condolences to the families of the victims, and the government and people of Rivers State.”
Commenting on the tragedy at Rivers State yesterday, Anambra State Governor Peter Obi said it was another case involving loss of lives in such a magnitude and circumstance that was heart- rendering and pathetic.
On behalf of the Government and people of Anambra State, he condoled with the Government and people of Rivers State, describing the disaser as very depressing and touching.
He said: “In this your troubling time, I assure you that we share in your grief and pray to God Almighty to grant you, especially the Governor and all those directly affected by the incidence the fortitude to bear it, always trusting that the will of God is supreme at all times.”
The FRSC said that 89 of the 95 persons who died in the petrol tanker explosion were given mass burial at Okobe village in the Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers.
Dr Kayode Olagunju, the Sector Commander in a text message to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the 89 bodies were burnt beyond recognition and were all given mass burial at the scene.
Olagunju added that six of the victims who died were identified and released to their families.
He said in all, 95 persons died in the incident with 18 others injured.
The commander said that the accident occurred around 6.30 am and involved four vehicles, including the tanker which caught fire.
“Thirty-four motorcycles were also burnt at the scene,” Olagunju said.