Many feared dead as fire guts jetty in Rivers

Many people are feared dead following a fire outbreak at the Nembe/Bille Jetty in Port Harcourt, Rivers state capital.

TheCable understands that the fire outbreak occurred on Monday morning.

Some wooden and fibre boats at the jetty were reportedly destroyed in the inferno.

Although there is no official confirmation yet on the cause of the fire, the boats were said to have been discharging petroleum products at the jetty when the fire started.

The Rivers police command confirmed the incident to TheCable.

“The command is aware and we are investigating to ascertain how many lives were lost,” Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesman of the command, said.

“Whatever it is, we will get back to the public.”

In November, a similar fire outbreak was also recorded at the jetty.

The fire engulfed five boats with passengers trapped in them.

The boats were reportedly discharging locally refined petroleum products at the jetty when the fire erupted.