The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has commenced an investigation into a suspected chemical spill following a truck accident along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the agency’s Assistant Director of Press, Mrs. Nwamaka Ejiofor, NESREA said the crash left a white, foamy substance at the scene, prompting an immediate environmental assessment.
An investigation team from the agency’s Kaduna State Field Office, led by the State Coordinator, Mr. Hena Emmanuel, visited the accident site and held meetings with the Jere Police Area Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Sani Zubairu, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Commander in the area, and the community leader.
According to the agency, preliminary findings revealed that a heavy-duty truck was involved in the accident, leading to the discharge of its contents onto the road. Officials gathered information from security agencies, relevant authorities and residents to aid the ongoing investigation.
NESREA also collected samples of the white foamy substance, nearby soil and water from a surrounding stream for laboratory analysis to determine the composition of the material and evaluate any possible environmental risks.
The agency urged residents and road users to stay away from the substance, nearby water bodies and affected soil until investigations are completed, warning that the precaution is necessary to avoid possible exposure to hazardous materials.
