Fuel tankers explode in Rivers State, destroys lives and properties

Numerous explosions originating from fuel tankers stationed at the Eleme segment of the East-West Road in Rivers State have led to the conflagration of no fewer than 100 vehicles and an indeterminate number of casualties.

The occurrence, which transpired during the late hours of Friday, has resulted in the stranding of a considerable number of travelers.

As per available accounts, a tanker laden with petroleum derivatives combusted and burst into flames, subsequently engulfing other tankers and a multitude of vehicles ensnared in a traffic standstill.

While certain approximations posit that upwards of 300 vehicles succumbed to the blaze, alternative assessments tally the toll at over 100.

Despite the precise count of casualties remaining elusive, sources suggest that numerous individuals ensnared in their vehicles fell prey to the inferno.

Responsibility for the incident has been ascribed to reckless driving practices and the construction firm overseeing the Eleme section of the thoroughfare.

The conflagration persisted for an extended duration, spanning several hours, until it was successfully quenched by a fleet of fire service vehicles, with additional assistance provided by Indoroma Petrochemical.

Eyewitnesses attested to hearing resounding explosions and distress calls, underscoring the gravity of the circumstances.

“I heard a very loud sound about 20 minutes ago, and people were shouting. The sound came from the Petro-Chemical company area. So when I came out I saw a thick smoke with fire from a distance.” – resident.

Segun Owolabi an eyewitness states, “I saw four dead bodies burnt. Some may have been in the bushes because many ran away. I saw a whole stretch of vehicles burnt down, trailer burnt down. There seems to be a truck carrying substances and it was as if it had a collision with another vehicle that may have ignited the fire. Over 20 vehicles burnt down and several people trapped.”

Regrettably, this occurrence has dealt a profound and distressing blow to the local populace, resulting in extensive devastation and tragic loss of life.

It is imperative that all community members exercise caution and remain vigilant in the aftermath of this calamitous event.