Tragedy as Tanker Explosion Burns 5 to Death, Destroys 100 Vehicles In Rivers

• Five persons have been confirmed in the Friday, April 26 East-West road explosions in Rivers state
• It was gathered that over 100 vehicles held up in traffic on the ever-busy road were burnt to death in the tragic incident
• An eyewitness said some people inside their vehicles who tried to escape were trapped in the fire and burnt to death

TheTalk.NG journalist Adekunle Dada has over 5 years of experience covering metro and government policy

East-West Road – Rivers state police command said five people were burnt in the multiple tanker explosion at the Eleme section of the East-West Road.

The state police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the casualty figure on Saturday, April 27.

Eyewitness says some people inside their vehicles were trapped and burnt to death. Note: Photo used only for illustration purpose.
Photo credit: PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFPSource: Getty Images

As reported by The Punch, Iringe-Koko said:

“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 which occurred on Friday night, April 26 also burnt over 100 vehicles and many people trapped in their vehicles were roasted by the inferno, The Nation reports.

An eyewitness, simply identified as Baridi said the incident happened after a petrol-laden tanker collided with a heavy-duty truck, spilling its contents and bursting into flames.

Baridi added that the fire spread to a long stretch of vehicles plying the Akpajo-Onne Road following the gridlock.

“Some people inside their vehicles who tried to escape the fire were trapped in the fire and died.”

A motorist identified as Precious said:

“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.”

It was gathered that firemen from the Indorama Petrochemical Company assisted by firemen from other private firms battled for about two hours before the fire was put out.

Petrol tanker fire kills 25, injures 15

Meanwhile, TheTalk.NG reported that at least 25 persons were killed and 15 others seriously injured in a petrol tanker accident at Peke village along the Oko-Olowo area on the Ilorin/Bode-Saadu/Jebba Expressway, Kwara State.

It was gathered that the tragic incident occurred on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.

an eyewitness disclosed that the petrol tanker, moving on the wrong side of the road collided with a heavy-duty truck.

Source: TheTalk.NG

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