Two dead in Rivers tanker explosion

Two persons were confirmed dead when a tanker suspected to be carrying Liquefied Natural Gas exploded at the Obiri-Ikwerre flyover along the East-West on the outskirts of Port Harcourt in Rivers state.

It was gathered that the incident occurred at about 9:25 am on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, when the tanker upturned while trying to negotiate the bypass at the flyover and immediately went up in flames crushing a salon car with two occupants inside.

An eyewitness said the two occupants of the car were trapped before they could escape and were burnt to death.

"My office is just close by here. It was a terrible sight. Two persons inside a salon car parked nearby were burnt beyond recognition. The tanker was trying to negotiate through the flyover when it fell and the explosion occurred," the witness narrated.

The spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, adding that the investigation is ongoing.

"Yes I can confirm that two persons died in the tanker fire. Myself and the Commissioner of Police are on the ground as I speak to you," she said.

"The fire has been put out but the area is still dangerous because the gas is still leaking. So motorists are advised to take alternative routes to avoid any further casualty. The investigation is ongoing."