Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has commiserated with the victims of the fire incident that wreaked much havoc yesterday along Aba-Owerri Road in Aba, the state’s economic hub. The inferno claimed the life of a woman, with many people injured and property worth millions of naira destroyed.

The accident occurred in the morning when a tanker conveying premium motor spirit hit the road median and exploded in fire, causing pandemonium in the area.

Governor Ikpeazu described the incident as unfortunate and pathetic. He expressed his heartfelt sympathy to the victims, particularly to the family of the woman who died in the inferno.

The governor assured them of government support and intervention to ameliorate their suffering in this crisis period and cushion the effect of this tragedy.

He also used the occasion to reprimand tanker drivers and those conveying inflammable products along major roads to do so with precaution, warning that government will no longer tolerate the damage they cause to life and property.

Dr. Ikpeazu directed all security agencies and regulatory bodies to conduct adequate and constant check on the road worthiness of the tankers and trailers that ply the highways and ensure that all offending drivers are brought to book.

•Photo by Boniface Okoro shows fire men battling to contain the inferno . . . yesterday along Aba-Owerri Road, Aba.