Two persons were killed on Tuesday morning following an explosion involving a suspected liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker on the Obiri-Ikwerre flyover on the outskirts of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The explosion reportedly occurred at about 9:25am when the tanker overturned while attempting to navigate the bypass on the flyover. Moments later, the vehicle burst into flames, engulfing a nearby saloon car with two occupants trapped inside.
Eyewitnesses said the victims were unable to escape the burning vehicle and were burnt beyond recognition.
An eyewitness, who spoke to journalists, said the incident was horrifying.
“My office is close to the flyover. It was a terrible sight. Two people inside a saloon car parked nearby were burnt beyond recognition. The tanker was trying to pass through the flyover when it fell and exploded,” he said.
The Obiri-Ikwerre flyover links motorists to the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state.
Another eyewitness, identified as Lucky, said the explosion was so loud it was heard in nearby residential areas, causing panic.
I was driving towards the University of Port Harcourt shortly after 9am when I saw the flames. I quickly made a U-turn. Many motorists diverted to avoid the scene, while some people were recording the fire, he said.
The incident comes barely a month after a similar tanker explosion along the Eleme axis of the East-West Road, which claimed about five lives and destroyed more than 60 vehicles.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said two people lost their lives in the explosion.
Yes, I can confirm that two persons died in the tanker fire. The Commissioner of Police and I are currently on the ground. The fire has been put out, but the area remains dangerous as gas is still leaking, she said.
She advised motorists to avoid the route and use alternative roads to prevent further casualties, adding that an investigation into the cause of the explosion was ongoing
