A devastating tanker explosion occurred on Friday night at the Eleme section of the East-West Road in Rivers State, leaving five people dead and over 70 cars burnt.
The tragic incident happened when a petrol-laden tanker collided with a heavy-duty truck, spilling its contents and bursting into flames.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire quickly spread to a long stretch of vehicles plying the Akpajo-Onne Road, which was already gridlocked due to ongoing construction. The resulting inferno engulfed numerous cars, leaving many charred and destroyed.
“It was a horrific sight,” said Baridit, an eyewitness. “The explosion happened around 9 pm, and the fire spread quickly. Many cars were burnt beyond recognition.”
The Rivers State authorities have confirmed the incident, with five people reported dead and several others injured. The exact cause of the collision is still under investigation.
Baridi said, “You know that because of the bad road, there is no alternative route so many vehicles were caught in the fire.
“Some people inside their vehicles who tried to escape the fire were trapped in the fire and died.”
