Car Explosion at Rivers State University: Students Panic as Vehicle Blows Up Near Main Gate

A car suddenly exploded this afternoon near the main gate of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, sparking panic among students, staff, and residents in the vicinity.

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Eyewitnesses said the vehicle reportedly parked in a staff parking lot erupted in flames with a loud blast at around 2:45 p.m. The explosion shattered nearby windows, sending a thick plume of black smoke rising above the campus. Some bystanders sustained minor injuries from flying glass and debris, but there are no confirmed fatalities as of now.

The university’s security team and the Rivers State Fire Service responded swiftly, evacuating nearby buildings and extinguishing the fire. Officials have cordoned off the scene and blocked off the affected road, causing major traffic delays around the campus.

In a brief statement, the university’s Public Relations Officer reassured the public: “We are working with security agencies to investigate the cause of the explosion. Our priority is ensuring the safety of everyone on our campus.”

The cause is under investigation. Initial reports suggest possibility of a mechanical malfunction or gas leak, but no official confirmation yet.