*Scores Burnt To Death, Many Injured, Over 70 Vehicles Razed
RIVERS State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has visited the site of the tanker explosion that killed over five persons, with many yet unaccounted for, along the East-West Road in Eleme Local Council of the state.
Fubara, accompanied by the state Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, and Commissioner for Energy, Maximus Nwafor, was at the scene to assess the level of carnage in the inferno that burnt over 70 vehicles held up on the busy inter-state road due to construction work at the section, with some bodies charred beyond in vehicles along the road and in nearby drainage
Some of the victims were ostensibly running from the fire before there were caught up and burnt beyond recognition.
The governor, shortly after inspecting the scene, directed security agencies to conduct a thorough assessment of the accident to facilitate the provision of aid to victims’ families.
“Yesterday, around 7 to 8pm, we go information about a very serious inferno that was caused by a tanker conveying PMS.
“I got the information through the MD of Indorama and immediately alerted the security agencies. From what we are seeing this morning, it was not a very pleasant case. We recorded, from what I am seeing, a huge number of vehicles destroyed and souls lost.
“I have already asked the security agencies to give us a full brief, so that we can come into the situation fully by seeing how much we can support the families of the bereaved and see how we can cushion the effect of the losses,” he stated.
Fubara lamented the deteriorating condition of the Eleme section of the East-West road, saying: “We all know the situation of this road; it is really, really unfortunate. Most of our people, when plying this road, do so with caution.”
Although the real cause of the accident was yet to be confirmed by the authorities, but it was gathered that the explosion occurred when a petrol-laden tanker collided with a heavy-duty truck, spilling its contents in the process and bursting into flames o Friday night, April 26.
The fire reportedly spread over a long distance, burning vehicles plying as far as the Akpajo-Onne Road.
Spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, on Saturday, April 27, said: “For now, about five persons 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.”
