Five Dead, Over 70 Vehicles Burnt in Tanker Explosion on East-West Road in Rivers State, Nigeria

A deadly tanker explosion occurred on the East-West Road in Rivers State, Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of at least five people and the destruction of over 70 vehicles. The incident happened around 9:15 p.m. in a section of the road known for heavy traffic, specifically along the Akpojo-Onne axis near the Indorama Petrochemical Company.

According to eyewitness accounts, the explosion was caused by a collision between a petrol-laden tanker and a heavy-duty truck. The blast was so intense that it produced a deafening sound that could be heard from a considerable distance. The fire that followed the explosion was still raging when a local journalist left the scene, with thick smoke billowing into the atmosphere.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing two loud sounds and seeing thick smoke and fire from the area. "I heard two loud sounds and saw thick smoke with fire from a distance," one eyewitness said. The incident led to hundreds of travelers and passengers being stranded as the road leading to Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and other areas was blocked.

The Eleme axis of the East-West Road is known for heavy traffic due to ongoing construction in the area. The region is home to several petrochemical companies, including one of Nigeria's four refineries, as well as the oil and gas free zone, customs, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and a major tank farm. The road sees a lot of activity from buses, heavy-duty trucks, tankers, and containers, as it leads to the city center of Port Harcourt and connects to Akwa Ibom and Abia states.

Why this matters: The East-West Road is a critical transportation route in Nigeria, connecting major cities and industrial areas. Accidents like this tanker explosion not only result in the tragic loss of life but also disrupt economic activities and cause significant damage to infrastructure.

The exact number of casualties is still unknown, but authorities are working to assess the extent of the damage and provide assistance to those affected by this devastating event. Social media videos have captured the chaos and destruction caused by the fire, with many vehicles trapped in the traffic and burned beyond recognition.

Key Takeaways

• Deadly tanker explosion in Rivers State, Nigeria on April 26, 2024, killing at least 5.
• Explosion caused by collision between petrol-laden tanker and heavy-duty truck, leading to fire.
• Incident occurred on East-West Road, a critical transportation route, blocking access to major cities.
• Region is home to petrochemical companies, leading to high traffic and increased risk of accidents.
• Exact casualties unknown, authorities assessing damage and providing assistance to affected.