Pregnant woman, others die as 79 vehicles burnt in fire disaster

In the fire event that happened on the Eleme axis of the East-West Road on Friday, no fewer than 79 vehicles were destroyed.
It is uncertain how many people died in total, however it was reported that at least seven of them were severely burned.

When the event occurred, all of the impacted vehicles were reportedly waiting in queue near Akpajo Bridge and Indorama Gate.
It was discovered that the fire was caused by a truck striking a tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit, or PMS, which was loaded with fuel.
A witness who went by the name Deeyah reported that numerous impacted automobiles attempted to flee but were unsuccessful.

Deeyah said: “When the fire started, most of the vehicles in the traffic made efforts to escape but the fire was just too fast for them.’’

It’s unfortunate —Fubara

Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State, has called the catastrophe regrettable.

Fubara promised to recompense victims during a visit to the scene yesterday with Olatunji Disu, the state commissioner of police, and Mr. Uchechukwu Nwafor, the commissioner for energy and natural resources for the state of Rivers.

The governor reported that he received a call about the event from the Managing Director of Indorama Petrochemical and Fertiliser Company Limited in the Eleme Local Government Area.

He said: “We are here to see for ourselves and get first-hand information on the incident.

“About 7.30 – 8 pm, we got information on the gravity of the incident. I was told that it was caused by a tanker vehicle that was conveying Premium Motor Spirit.

“I got the information through the MD of Indorama, and I immediately alerted the security agencies to make sure they took control of the security situation in the area.

“And from what we are seeing this morning, it was not a pleasant case. We recorded a huge number of vehicles being destroyed and lives lost.”

“I have already asked relevant agencies to give us a full brief so that we can come into the situation fully to see how we can support the bereaved families, and also cushion the effect of the losses.

“We all know the situation of this road. It is really unfortunate. Most of our people, when plying this road, should ply it with caution.

“I believe strongly that this situation would have been avoidable if motorists had behaved properly. But it is late already. The damage has happened. This is the situation we have found ourselves in. We will see how we can control the aftermath.”

MOSOP mourns

Meanwhile, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, MOSOP, has expressed condolence over the fire incident, noting that the East-West Road has become a death trap.

A statement by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Saviour Imeabe, noted that the original intention for the construction of the road was for safe travel, but regretted that the road has become a source of death.

He said: “MOSOP condoles with the families who have lost their loved ones in the devastating East-West Road fire disaster. Once again, we find ourselves mourning the loss of precious lives on a road that has long been a dangerous facility for the people of Ogoni, as well as for commuters in the Niger Delta region.

“It is with a heavy heart that we reflect on the fact that the East-West Road, originally intended to facilitate safe passage for travellers, has become a treacherous pathway leading to tragic deaths. The frequency of accidents and fatalities along this route is a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive action to rectify its dangerous conditions.

“We regret the recurring incidents where trucks fall off the poorly-maintained road, resulting in tragic loss of lives. The recent calamity, involving a petroleum-laden tanker that ignited into a blazing fire, has further underscored the pressing need for immediate intervention by all relevant authorities.”

Number of casualties yet to be confirmed—Police

However, the state police command confirmed that a pregnant woman was among the people who lost their lives in the inferno.
Public Relations Officer of the command, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, said that there were many casualties but that only four could be confirmed at press time.

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 a 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 at 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, 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.”