Tragic Tanker Explosion in Rivers State Claims Five Lives and Engulfs 100 Vehicles in Flames
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Tragedy struck on Friday, April 26, as a tanker explosion claimed 5 lives on the East-West road, Rivers State and left a trail of destruction in its wake. The devastating incident unfolded amidst heavy traffic on the usually bustling road, reducing over 100 vehicles to ashes. Eyewitnesses recounted the horrifying scene, noting that some unfortunate individuals who attempted to flee the blazing inferno found themselves trapped and succumbed to the flames.
According to the Rivers state police command, the Eleme section of the East-West Road was the site of the multiple tanker explosion that claimed the lives of five people. Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the state police, confirmed the grim casualty toll on Saturday, April 27. Trapped inside their vehicles, several individuals fell victim to the fire’s wrath, losing their lives in the process.
Fatal Tanker Collision Sets Off Catastrophic Fire, Leaving Five Dead and Over 100 Vehicles Incinerated in Rivers State Tragedy
Providing further details, Reporters conveyed the words of Iringe-Koko, who stated, “For now, about five persons are dead. The Commissioner of Police and his team were on the ground last night to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order.” The tragic incident unfolded on the night of Friday, April 26, leaving a devastating aftermath of over 100 burnt vehicles and numerous individuals trapped within their cars, consumed by the raging flames.
An eyewitness known only as Baridi explained that the calamity was triggered by a collision between a petrol-laden tanker and a heavy-duty truck, resulting in a spillage and subsequent ignition of the contents. The fire swiftly spread along the Akpajo-Onne Road, engulfing a long line of vehicles caught in the ensuing traffic jam. Baridi somberly added, “Some people inside their vehicles who tried to escape the fire were trapped in the fire and died.”
Another motorist, identified as Precious, recounted the chaos, revealing, “So it was difficult for me even to reverse my vehicle. We meandered and packed somewhere. Only for us to come back and see that more than 100 vehicles were burnt. There are people burnt in their vehicles, and some people running were also caught in the inferno.” Firefighters from the Indorama Petrochemical Company, aided by personnel from other private firms, valiantly battled the flames for approximately two hours until they were finally extinguished.
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This is really a sad news, the FRSC should help in reducing traffic in the road to avoid this kind of incident to occur again. May the souls of those that died in this tragic incident rest in peace. Amen.
This is sad, In the end unforseen events overtakes them all