A catastrophic tanker explosion occurred on the Eleme section of the East-West Road in Rivers State on Friday night, resulting in five confirmed fatalities and over 70 vehicles incinerated.
The calamity unfolded when a tanker carrying petrol collided with a heavy-duty truck, causing a spillage that ignited into a massive fire. An eyewitness, Baridi, recounted how the blaze rapidly spread to a long line of vehicles trapped in a traffic jam on the Akpajo-Onne Road, a route currently under construction.
Baridi explained, “Due to the poor condition of the road and lack of alternative routes, many vehicles were engulfed in the fire. Some individuals who attempted to flee from their vehicles were unfortunately trapped and perished in the flames.”
A motorist named Precious, who was on the road at the time, described a scene of chaos and panic. He criticized the ongoing road reconstruction, arguing that it had exacerbated the traffic congestion and indirectly contributed to the tragedy. He urged for a more considerate and efficient approach to the roadworks, emphasizing the need for maintaining vehicular access during the construction process.
The State Police Command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the death toll and assured that law and order were maintained at the scene.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, accompanied by the Commissioner for Police, Olatunji Disu, and the Commissioner for Energy, Maximus Nwafor, visited the site of the explosion. After assessing the devastation, Governor Fubara directed security agencies to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the incident to aid in providing support to the victims’ families.
Governor Fubara expressed his sorrow over the significant loss of vehicles and lives. He also voiced his concerns about the deteriorating condition of the Eleme section of the East-West road, acknowledging the caution with which most people navigate the route.
