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Tragic Tanker Explosion Claims Five Lives and Engulfs 70 Cars in Rivers State

In a devastating incident on Friday night, tragedy struck as a tanker explosion rocked the Eleme section of the East-West Road in Rivers State, claiming the lives of five individuals and incinerating over 70 vehicles. The catastrophe unfolded when a petrol-laden tanker collided with a heavy-duty truck, triggering a massive inferno that quickly spread along the Akpajo-Onne Road, engulfing numerous vehicles caught in the gridlock exacerbated by ongoing road construction.

 

Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos and horror as people attempted to flee the raging flames, with some unfortunate souls perishing in their vehicles while others sustained severe burns. Precious, a motorist navigating the congested road, described the pandemonium as drivers scrambled to escape the escalating disaster.

 

The reconstruction efforts on the road came under scrutiny, with residents lamenting the lack of alternative routes and inadequate access points, which exacerbated the traffic congestion and contributed to the severity of the incident. Calls were made for expedited construction efforts and heightened awareness of the challenges faced by motorists traversing the area.

 

Confirming the grim casualty toll, State Police Command spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko acknowledged the loss of five lives, emphasizing the need for vigilance to prevent further tragedies. Meanwhile, state officials, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, pledged to assess the situation firsthand and address the underlying issues contributing to such calamities.

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Emergency response teams, including police units and firefighting personnel from private firms, worked tirelessly to contain the blaze, with assistance from Indorama Petrochemical Company’s firefighting team. Despite their efforts, the conflagration raged for hours, leaving a trail of destruction and heartbreak in its wake.

 

This tragic incident evokes memories of past disasters, such as the March 2023 explosion at a crude oil tapping point in Rumuekpe community, where a dozen lives were lost in a similar blaze. Environmental activists have long warned of the dangers posed by such illicit activities, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures and regulatory enforcement to prevent future tragedies.

 

Amidst the devastation and loss, communities mourn the lives cut short and rally for greater awareness and action to safeguard against such harrowing events in the future

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