By Suleiman Anyalewechi
Four persons, including a pregnant woman, over 70 vehicles, travelers and others properties worth several billions of Naira were reportedly lost to the late Friday night accident at the Eleme section of the jinxed East-West Road in Rivers State.
Rescue operations were still ongoing by the combined team of Police ,Federal Road Safety Commission personnel, and other relevant officials to evacuate burnt vehicles and other properties ,as well as to maintain law and order.
These were the high points of a press statement issued by the Spokesperson for the Rivers state Police Command, Grace Iringe – Koko SP on Saturday April 27 2024 .
“At approximately 8.30pm on Friday, April 26 ,2024, the Rivers State Police Command received a distressed call regarding a fire incident along East-West Road near Indorama Gate ,Eleme ,caused by a tanker explosion .
“Immediately, action was taken by contacting the Fire Department and mobilising operatives to the scene .
Upon arrival, a joint operation of the Police and Fire fighters successfully extinguished the fire by 10.30 pm.
However, over 70 vehicles were engulfed and several individuals were trapped.
Efforts led to the rescue of many though the total casualties are yet to be determined . Regrettably, four individuals, including a pregnant woman ,have been confirmed dead and those injured are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.” Part of the statement reads.
The Police statement further stated that the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, on Saturday also visited the scene of the accident, while rescue efforts continue.
Although, at the time of reporting, the cause of the tragic accident was yet to be officially confirmed, eye witness accounts blamed it on bad road condition, occasioned by the ongoing construction works on the East-West road, over speeding and reckless driving on the part of the driver of the main tanker truck that caused the inferno.
The ongoing construction efforts, witnesses say, has led to only a narrow portion left for road users from the two sides of the road.
