Many killed, houses burnt as petrol tankers explode in Rivers

An unspecified number of persons have been burnt to death following explosions of two tankers carrying petroleum products in Rivers State.

The explosion was said to have occurred in a checkpoint-induced accident at Omurelu commumity along the Elele-Owerri Road, Ikwere Local Government Area, Rivers.

The inferno that resulted from the blast was said to have spread in the community, destroying houses, valuable properties and leaving some persons severely injured.

An indigene of the community, Innocent Amadi, said the incident happened when one of the tankers conveying the inflammable product was flagged down by a petroleum taskforce operating in the area.

He said while the taskforce was trying to ‘extort’ the tanker driver, another tanker driver on speed lost control and hit the stationary one at the checkpoint.

He said the two tankers fell, spilled their contents and burst into flames.