Port Harcourt, Nigeria – Tragedy struck on Friday night in the Eleme section of the East-West Road in Rivers State, Nigeria, as a multiple explosion left at least four people feared dead. The incident, involving a tanker carrying petroleum products, caused a chain reaction that engulfed several vehicles in the area, notorious for its heavy traffic congestion.
The explosion occurred around 9:15pm near the Indorama Petrochemical Company along the Akpojo-Onne axis of the East-West Road, posing a threat to critical national assets. Residents in Akpajo, Eleme Local Government Area, reported hearing two deafening blasts, causing panic and confusion in the area.
Eyewitnesses described seeing thick smoke and flames rising from the scene of the explosion, with one local resident named Vikko recounting the frightening experience. Port Harcourt-based journalist Segun Owolabi provided a live update from the scene, revealing a grim scene of charred bodies and burned vehicles.
Owolabi detailed the extent of the devastation, mentioning the possibility of more casualties and emphasizing the urgent need for additional firefighting resources to contain the still-raging inferno. He called for the mobilization of all available resources, including support from other companies, security agencies, and government authorities to prevent further harm.
As a result of the explosion, the East-West Road was blocked, stranding numerous travelers and passengers heading towards Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and other destinations. While the police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, had yet to provide an official report on the incident, the situation remained dire, with uncertainty looming over the outcome.
Efforts to quell the fire continued late into the night, with smoke billowing high into the sky, serving as a grim reminder of the destructive power of the explosion. The community awaited guidance and support from local officials and emergency responders to mitigate the impact of the tragedy and ensure the safety of all those affected.