An unverified number of persons have been feared dead after a tanker carrying petroleum products burst into flames in Rivers State.
The devastating incident happened on Friday night along the dilapidated Eleme axis of the East-West Road, with reports suggesting that the tragedy was triggered when the tanker, navigating the bad road, was hit by another heavy-duty vehicle, igniting flames and an explosion.
Amateur videos circulating social media revealed that the ensuing inferno engulfed several other vehicles along the road, with occupants said to be trapped and unable to escape the fire, which spread rapidly.
The full extent of the damage caused by the inferno and the casualty figures remains unclear, as emergency officials are expected to provide more details subsequently.
The Eleme axis of the East-West road has been notorious for its hazardous conditions, prompting repeated protests from concerned citizens demanding urgent repairs.
Although, the Federal Government recently initiated the rehabilitation of the road, the pace of work has been criticised as slow.
