Shehu Mohammed, the corps marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), has directed an immediate clampdown on the transportation of flammable substances like petroleum products across the country.
In a statement on Friday by Olusegun Ogungbemide, spokesperson of the commission, the corps marshal also directed the deployment of patrol operatives on highways to conduct searches and identify vehicles carrying such products.
The corps marshal said FRSC operatives should embark on an awareness campaign for drivers and passengers on the dangers of carrying petroleum products in vehicles.
“No excuse is acceptable for such a dastardly act. It is to be a civil engagement that targets ensuring that those products when sighted, are emptied into the fuel tank of the vehicles,” the statement reads.
“I also directed a full-scale investigation into the recent fire-related road crashes to determine the source of the infernos and prevent future occurrences.
“The investigation report revealed that drivers often carry petroleum products while in transit.
“As such, in the event of a crash, the impact often results in flames leading to heartbreaking fatalities that would have been avoided.
“This will help curtail these excesses and enhance the safety of lives and properties as commuters transit from one destination to another.”