A devastating inferno along the East-West Road in Rivers State has resulted in the destruction of numerous vehicles, incineration of goods valued at billions, and reportedly led to an unspecified loss of lives.
The exact death toll remains uncertain, as emergency authorities have not yet released specific information regarding the tragic incident.
The tragic event occurred Friday night along the Eleme axis of the road, an area that has suffered from neglect, heightening the dangers for motorists.
Initial reports indicate that the catastrophe unfolded when a tanker, navigating the deteriorating road conditions, collided with another heavy-duty vehicle, sparking a blaze and subsequent explosion.
Over 50 vehicles on the road at the time became engulfed in the ensuing inferno, leaving occupants trapped and unable to flee the rapidly spreading flames.
Videos and eyewitness testimonies circulating on social media depict a chilling scene of the devastation.
One such video, shared on Facebook by Netizen, captured up to 11 vehicles, including four trucks, ablaze.
In the footage, a man narrated how the flames nearly engulfed the car he and his friend were traveling in, adding to the intensity of the ordeal.
“This is immense devastation,” he remarked in the video, capturing the vehicles consumed by flames.
In the background, anguished voices lamented the extensive destruction unfolding before them. Many expressed disbelief at the magnitude of the devastation.
The witness and others voiced their outrage at the slow emergency response.
“Can you imagine? Hours passed, and still no sign of the fire service…” he exclaimed, questioning how, in 21st-century Nigeria, and with the incident occurring so close to Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, help failed to arrive promptly.
Amidst the turmoil and sorrow, some individuals made desperate attempts to salvage their vehicles. One harrowing moment captured a driver narrowly escaping between two burning vehicles, as onlookers screamed in fear for his safety.
“I cried so deeply because millions’ worth of goods were incinerated,” wrote another witness, describing the tragic scene. “Trucks loaded with cleared goods from the wharf by Nigerian Customs, along with other cargo-laden trucks, company staff buses transporting employees home from the office, and commercial buses from Cross Rivers State, Akwa Ibom State, and other regions, all fell victim to the inferno.”
The true extent of the damage and casualties remains uncertain, awaiting further details from emergency officials.
Governor Fubara’s Visit
In the early hours of Saturday, around 8 am, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, arrived at the scene, accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the Commissioner of Energy, Maximus Nwafor.
Videos captured at the scene that morning provided a grim account of the blaze and its aftermath. Over 50 vehicles lay in ruins, some still engulfed in flames, with charred remains and bodies scattered along the road and in nearby drainage channels.
After surveying the devastating site, Governor Fubara directed security agencies to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the accidents to facilitate aid for the victims’ families.
“This morning’s findings are deeply distressing,” stated the governor, who learned of the fire around 8 pm on Friday. “I was alerted by the MD of Indorama, and immediately notified the security agencies.”
“We have witnessed a significant number of vehicles destroyed and lives lost,” he continued. “I’ve instructed the security agencies to provide us with a full report so we can fully address the situation by supporting the bereaved families and mitigating the losses.”
Governor Fubara also expressed dismay over the deteriorating condition of the Eleme section of the East-West road.
“We’re all aware of the state of this road; it’s truly unfortunate. Many of our people travel this road cautiously,” he lamented.
The Eleme axis of the East-West road has long been notorious for its perilous conditions, prompting repeated protests from concerned citizens calling for urgent repairs. While the Federal Government recently initiated the road’s rehabilitation, progress has been criticized as sluggish.
