Four Burnt to Death in Fatal Accident in Rivers

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Four persons including an eight-month-old baby have reportedly burnt to death in a fatal motor accident that occurred yesterday along Rukpokwu – Igwuruta road in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

It was reported that the dead victims were occupants in a Highlander Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), that went up in flames after an accident occurred at the aforementioned area.

THISDAY gathered that the driver of the SUV was trying to avoid hitting another vehicle when he suddenly skid into the median of the road that caused a chain crash.

A mini commercial bus driver who pleaded anonymity said the car and the occupants burnt before help came. However, the Public Relations Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps( FRSC), Julian Eni, has confirmed the incident.

She said: “The burnt vehicle and carcass of the victims have been evacuated from the scene of the accident.”

In another development, a 25-year-old man was stabbed by members of a suspected rival cult group around Mile One Diobu axis of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of the State

It was learnt that the victim simply identified as Omemma, was a member of a notorious cult group in the area.

THISDAY further gathered that Omemma’s death was a reprisal for an earlier attack by his group against the rival group.

The incident THISDAY observed, grounded activities at the market for a while as both traders and commuters scampered for their lives in fear of falling victim to stray bullets from any of the group.

But normalcy was restored later by local vigilance and security operatives.

The state Police Command have confirmed the incident.

The state Acting Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Grace Irengi-Koko, who confirmed the incident, disclosed that investigation has been ordered by the command to unravel the cause of the clash.