Petrol tanker explodes in Rivers

A petrol-laden tanker has exploded on the Obiri-Ikwerre flyover, along the East-West road in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

The explosion occurred around 9am on Tuesday.

The tanker was said to have tipped over and exploded while trying to navigate the roundabout.

The explosion was reportedly felt several kilometres away. Firefighters, who were immediately deployed to the scene, have put out the fire.

It is not immediately clear if there are casualties from the explosion.

Joseph Johnson, commissioner for information in Rivers, confirmed that the truck was a petrol tanker.

Johnson said the tanker fell on a car and and exploded.

“Casualty figure isn’t ascertained yet,” the commissioner said. 

The development comes about four weeks after tankers laden with petroleum products burst into flames on the East-West road in Eleme, Rivers state.

A tanker was said to have collided with a vehicle before bursting into flames, leading to a domino effect.

Over five persons were reportedly killed in the multiple explosions.