The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has launched an investigation into a suspected chemical spill following a truck accident on the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the agency’s Assistant Director of Press, Mrs Nwamaka Ejiofor, the accident left behind a white, foamy substance at the scene, prompting an immediate response from environmental authorities.
A team from NESREA’s Kaduna State Field Office, led by the State Coordinator, Mr Hena Emmanuel, visited the site to commence investigations.
The team met with the Jere Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Sani Zubairu, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Commander in the area, and the community leader.
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Preliminary findings indicate that a heavy-duty truck was involved in the accident, resulting in the spillage of its contents. NESREA said it gathered information from security agencies, relevant officials and residents to support its investigation.
The agency also collected samples of the foamy substance, surrounding soil and water from a nearby stream for laboratory analysis to determine the nature of the material and assess its potential environmental impact.
NESREA advised members of the public to avoid contact with the foamy substance, nearby water sources and the surrounding soil until the investigation is concluded. The agency said the precautionary measure is necessary to prevent possible exposure to hazardous materials.
