Rivers State: Several Feared Dead, Numerous Vehicles Torched In Devastating Explosion

Rivers State: Several Feared Dead, Numerous Vehicles Torched In Devastating Explosion

By Faith Kordoo

The people of Rivers State have been thrown into somber as a yet-to-be confirmed number of people are feared dead following a dastardly explosion which saw over 30 vehicles torched on the elevation axis of the East-West Road.

It was gathered that the devastating incident occurred on Friday night after a tanker carrying petroleum products collided into another heavy-duty vehicle and burst into
flames.

The inferno, which spread rapidly, engulfed vehicles which were stuck in gridlock on the road, trapping occupants.

An eyewitness noted, “I was approaching Akpajo bridge when I saw a thick hold-up. While I and other drivers tried to move further, we saw people running and shouting fire.

“So it was difficult for me even to reverse my vehicle. We meandered and packed somewhere. Only for us to come back and see that more than 100 vehicles were burned. There are people burned in their vehicles and some people running were also caught in the inferno.”

The upset citizen blamed the tragedy on the reconstruction of the road, which, according to him, had worsened the gridlock.

Our correspondent, who visited the scene on Saturday morning, notes that it horrifying and simply beyond words.

Meanwhile, confirming the heartbreaking incident, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, told newsmen, “For now, about five people are dead. The Commissioner of Police and his team were on the ground last night to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order.”

As of Saturday morning, security personnel were seen at the scene of the incident, which had been barricaded.