The Rivers State police command has confirmed that a pregnant woman was one of the people who tragically lost their lives in the fire incident that happened in Rivers State on Friday night.
The Public Relations Officer of the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, who is a Superintendent of Police, shared the update that there were multiple casualties, but unfortunately, they could only confirm four at the moment.
She said: “At approximately 8:30 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024, the Rivers State Police Command received a distress call regarding a fire incident along East-West Road near Indorama Gate, Eleme, caused by tanker explosion. Immediate action was taken by contacting the fire department and mobilizing operatives to the scene.
“Upon arrival, a joint operation of the Police and Firefighters successfully extinguished the fire by 10:30 p.m. However, over seventy cars 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.
“On Saturday, April 27, 2024, The Commissioner of Police Olatunji R. Disu, psc, and the operations department visited the scene to motivate the rescue team and extend condolences to the affected.
“He was accompanied by various sister agencies.
“Rescue operations are ongoing, with officers deployed to evacuate burnt vehicles and maintain law and order. The Rivers State Police Command remains dedicated to supporting those affected and ensuring public safety.”
GistReel had reported earlier that many persons were feared dead and cars burnt after tanker exploded at the Eleme section of the East-West Road, Rivers State around 9:45 pm on Friday.
It was gathered that the incident was caused by the petrol-laden tanker colliding with a heavy-duty truck, spilling its contents and bursting into flames, causing the petrol to spread over a long stretch of vehicles plying the Akpajo-Onne Road following the gridlock, which is a usual occurrence on the road due to ongoing construction.