Pregnant woman, four others killed, 120 vehicles burnt in Rivers tanker explosion

The fire incident on Friday at the Eleme axis of the East-West Road destroyed no fewer than 79 vehicles, with at least seven people burnt beyond recognition.

All the affected vehicles were reportedly in a queue near Indorama Gate and Akpajo Bridge when a truck collided with a fuel-laden tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), causing the inferno.

An eyewitness named Deeyah recounted, “When the fire started, most vehicles in the traffic tried to escape, but the fire spread too quickly.”

Governor Siminalayi Fubara, along with the state Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, and Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Uchechukwu Nwafor, visited the scene and termed the disaster unfortunate. Fubara pledged compensation for the victims.

He explained, “We are here to see for ourselves and get first-hand information. Around 7.30 – 8 pm, we received information about the incident caused by a tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit. We recorded a significant number of vehicles destroyed and lives lost.”

The state police command confirmed casualties, including a pregnant woman among the deceased. Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko reported that four deaths were confirmed at press time, with many injuries.

She stated, “The Rivers State Police Command received a distress call regarding a fire incident along East-West Road near Indorama Gate, Eleme, caused by a tanker explosion. Over seventy cars were engulfed, with four confirmed dead, including a pregnant woman, and several injured individuals receiving treatment.”

Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu visited the scene to offer condolences and support, emphasizing ongoing rescue efforts and maintaining public safety.