Five Dead, Over 100 Vehicles Destroyed in Massive Tanker Explosion on Nigeria's East-West Road

A devastating tanker explosion occurred on the East-West Road in Rivers State, Nigeria at the weekend, resulting in the deaths of at least five people and the destruction of over 100 vehicles.

The incident was caused by a collision between a petrol tanker and a heavy-duty truck near the Indorama Petrochemical Company and Aleto Bridge.

Eyewitnesses reported that the petrol tanker burst into flames after being hit by the truck. The fire quickly spread, engulfing numerous vehicles trapped in the ensuing traffic gridlock. Many occupants were unable to escape the inferno, with some burnt beyond recognition. "The tanker spilled its contents, causing the petrol to spread over a long stretch of vehicles in the area," one eyewitness recounted.

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara visited the scene and expressed deep sadness over the tragic incident. "It is a very devastating loss for the state, with over 120 vehicles completely burnt and five lives lost," the governor stated. He urged motorists to exercise caution on the road and noted that the situation could have been avoided with proper conduct.

The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the recovery of four bodies, including that of a pregnant woman, from the scene. Grace Iringe-Koko, the police spokesperson, stated that the remains of the deceased have been deposited in a morgue. The police commissioner and law enforcement personnel were deployed to the area to maintain order and coordinate rescue operations.

The East-West Road, a critical route leading to national assets in the region, has been undergoing reconstruction as part of a N200 billion project. However, the slow pace of the work and lack of proper traffic management by the construction firm have been criticized as contributing factors to the accident. Motorists and residents have repeatedly called for urgent repairs to address the road's hazardous conditions.

Why this matters: The tragic incident highlights the urgent need for improved road safety measures and infrastructure in Nigeria. The East-West Road's deteriorating condition has been a long-standing issue, putting countless lives at risk. This devastating event emphasizes the importance of swift government action to address the road's hazardous conditions and prevent future tragedies.

As rescue efforts continue, the full extent of the casualties and damage is yet to be determined. The Federal Road Safety Corps is investigating the incident, while the state government has pledged support for the families of the victims. Governor Fubara has set up a committee to coordinate assistance and ordered a detailed assessment from relevant agencies to guide the state's response to the tragedy.

Key Takeaways

• Deadly tanker explosion on East-West Road in Rivers State, Nigeria on April 26, 2024.
• At least 5 killed, over 100 vehicles destroyed in the incident caused by a collision.
• Slow road reconstruction and poor traffic management cited as contributing factors.
• Governor Fubara expresses grief, pledges support for victims' families and road safety improvements.
• Incident highlights urgent need for better road infrastructure and safety measures in Nigeria.