Petroleum Tanker Explosion Kills Two in Rivers

By Blessing Ibunge

Omurelu community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State was yesterday thrown into mourning following the petroleum tanker explosion that claimed two lives and razed down several buildings and other property.

THISDAY gathered that the fatal accident happened on the Owerri-Port Harcourt Road at about 6a.m. when most residents of the community were still sleeping.

An indigene of the community, who confirmed the incident, told THISDAY that a tanker conveying petroleum product was stopped by petroleum task force in an attempt to allegedly extort the driver when another tanker collided with the stationary tanker at the check point.

The source, who gave his name as Amade Innocent, said: “Early hours of today (yesterday), the fire ignited after the collision of the two tankers, leading to many buildings being razed down and two people losing their lives.”

Amadi, who also revealed that angry youths in the community had risen against the activities of the petroleum task force, called on the state government to intervene to save lives.