Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, reported that a petroleum tanker explosion in the state on Friday night resulted in the deaths of approximately five individuals.
He also mentioned that around 120 cars were destroyed by the fire.
The incident occurred when a truck transporting fertilizers from the Indorama petrochemical plant scraped a tanker filled with Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol.
Governor Fubara disclosed these details during his speech at the funeral service for Madam Cecilia Omehia, the mother of political leader Sir Celestine Omehia, in Ubima, located in the Ikwerre Local Government Area.
“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.
“Over 120 vehicles were completely burnt, and five lives were lost. It was very unfortunate.”
Governor Fubara expressed his condolences to those who lost loved ones and to those whose vehicles were irreparably damaged in the incident. He added that the State Government shares in their mourning and grief.