Video: 5 Confirmed Dead, 70 Injured in Rivers Tanker Explosion
Five people have been confirmed dead, and over 70 cars were burnt in the tanker explosion at the Eleme section of the East-West Road in Rivers State on Friday night. The incident occurred at about 2 am on Friday when a petrol-laden tanker collided with a heavy-duty truck, spilling its contents and bursting into flames, according to a witness named Baridi. The fire spread to a long stretch of vehicles caught in a gridlock, which is a common occurrence on the road currently under construction. Some individuals trapped inside their vehicles tried to escape the fire but were caught and died in the flames. In total, more than 100 vehicles were burnt.
The tragedy has been attributed to the road reconstruction, which has worsened the traffic situation in the area. The State Police Command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the casualty figure.
The Eleme explosion, a tragic event that unfolded on the night of April 26, 2024, has left the Eleme axis of the East-West road in Rivers State reeling from a devastating fire outbreak.
— Inside Pitakwa (@PitakwaNews) April 27, 2024
The incident occurred around 9:00 PM local time when a tanker overturned, sparking a chain… pic.twitter.com/iysN1ixB4B
