Many Feared Dead, Houses Razed As Petrol Tankers Explode In Rivers

Many Feared Dead, Houses Razed As Petrol Tankers Explode In Rivers

Some persons have been burnt to death and properties have been destroyed as two tankers carrying petroleum products exploded in Rivers State.

The explosion was said to have occurred in a checkpoint-induced accident at Omurelu commumity along the Elele-Owerri Road, Ikwere Local Government Area, Rivers.

The inferno that resulted from the blast was said to have spread in the community, destroying houses, valuable properties and leaving some persons severely injured.

An indigene of the community, Innocent Amadi, said the incident happened when one of the tankers conveying the inflammable product was flagged down by a petroleum taskforce operating in the area.

He said while the taskforce was trying to ‘extort’ the tanker driver, another tanker driver on speed lost control and hit the stationary one at the checkpoint

He said the two tankers fell, spilled their contents and burst into flames.