A tanker suspected of carrying liquefied natural gas exploded at the Obiri-Ikwerre flyover on the east-west borders of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, killing two people.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred about 9:25 a.m. when the tanker overturned while attempting to negotiate the bypass at the flyover and burst into flames, smashing a salon car with two occupants inside.
This comes a month later, when a fuel-laden tanker exploded along the Eleme axis of the East-West Road, killing five people and destroying over 60 vehicles. In the most recent occurrence, an eyewitness reported that two car occupants were caught before they could escape and were cooked.
He stated, “My office is just close by here. It was a terrible sight. Two people inside a salon car parked nearby were burned beyond recognition.
“The tanker was trying to negotiate through the flyover when it fell, and the explosion occurred.”
The Obiri-Kwere flyover connects Port Harcourt International Airport with Omagwa in the state’s Ikwerre local government area.
Another eyewitness, Lucky, reported that the sound of the explosion travelled to residential neighbourhoods near the flyover, causing panic.
He stated, “It was about 9 a.m. when I was driving towards the University of Port Harcourt that I saw the flames.
“I quickly made a u-turn because I was driving. Many vehicles started making a detour to avoid the scene of the fire, somewhere even videoing the fire with their phones”.
When reached, Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the State Police Command, confirmed the incident and the casualties.
When contacted, the spokesperson of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident and the casualty figure.
“Yes, I can confirm that two people died in the tanker fire. Myself and the Commissioner of Police are on the ground as I speak to you.
“The fire has been put out, but the area is still dangerous because the gas is still licking.
“So motorists are advised to take alternative routes to avoid any further casualties. The investigation is ongoing,“ Iringe-Koko, stated.
