By Cajetan Muta
A popular transporter and industrialist in Anambra state, Chief Ifeanyichukwu Egwim has called for assistance from both federal and state governments over the fire incident that destroyed his fleet of buses and other valuables in his company recently.
The luxury park, located near the popular International Building Materials market along Awka-Onitsha expressway, had on August 15, went up in flames when a fuel tanker content after another articulated vehicle reportedly rammed into it.
The truck driver was reportedly burnt to death, while over 13 buses and other valuables worth several billions of naira were destroyed in the inferno.
Speaking when the State Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Adeoye Irelewuyi paid him a sympathy and solidarity visit, Chief Egwim described the incident as tragic, thanking God for sparing his life, just as he expressed hope of bouncing back soon.
Egwim who is the Managing Director of Ifeanyichukwu Industries and Commercial Services Limited, Ogidi, in the state quantified the losses in the inferno to the tune of N520million.
He said, “We lost 13 buses to the fire. Going by current the exchange rate, each of the buses goes for N40 million. Thank God it was my buses that were destroyed, Ifeanyichukwu is still alive.
“This is the first time we’re experiencing a fire of such magnitude. We’ve had similar incidents in the past, but none can be compared with this.”
“It would have escalated to the building materials market and a nearby gas plant if not for the water tank, chemicals, and other emergency facilities we installed after previous incidents to forestall future occurrences appreciating the FRSC boss for the visit, the popular transporter promised that his management would continue to assist the organization and contribution to government the despite the calamity.
Also, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano on Transport, Hon. Obiora Egwim and the son of the victim revealed that the company was yet to receive assistance from any quarters, but was hopeful of soon intervention.
“No compensation from anywhere yet. The governor only sympathized with us during his visit but never made any promise. But we’re hopeful he’ll do knowing the kind of person he is.
“For insurance, basically none. You know vehicles like these depreciate rather than appreciate, so you can’t continue after two years, unless on the third party,” he added.
Earlier, Corps Commander Irelewuyi said the visit was to sympathize with the management for the huge loss, describing the victim as principal stakeholder as far as FRSC is concerned in the state.
He said, “I was away in Abuja when the incident happened but I sent my deputy to take charge of the rescue. I’ve been n briefed on so many things you’ve done to assist us.
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“We’re here to show solidarity with you over the unfortunate incident. This is one of those things the FRSC is working assiduously to prevent, loss of lives and property out of drivers’ carelessness.
“Like you rightly said, it was vehicles that got burnt, not the owner. My people say that the palace of a king that got burnt will only add beauty after undergoing renovation. It’s only God that can arise for you at this time.
