28th April, 2024
By Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has, in a sad mood, confirmed that five persons lost their lives and 120 vehicles were completely burnt in the Friday night Petroleum Tanker explosion in Eleme, Eleme local government area.
According to him, the tanker inferno has become a sad episode in the State with over 120 vehicles razed and about five lives lost, describing it as a “great tragedy and very unfortunate.”
“It is a very sad day in our dear State. Something happened in Eleme, along the route of Indorama Petrochemical and Fertiliser Company Limited. A tanker had an issue with a tipper, and there was an unfortunate situation that caused the State a very devastating loss.
“I went there this morning to see for myself what really happened, and I can tell you, I’ve not been happy since then. With all the dramas in our State, it is not even proper for us to add that to it.
“But it wasn’t our fault. It was just what impatience caused. The tanker driver, knowing the state of that road was not patient, and it resulted in that colossal loss. Over 120 vehicles were completely burnt and five lives were lost. It was very unfortunate,” the governor lamented.
He commiserated with those who lost loved ones and others whose vehicles were burnt beyond repairs and added that the State Government mourned and grieved with them.