FRSC, PETROAN reveal cause of Rivers tanker fire

The FRSC State Sector Commander, Chris Kuje, co firmed to The Guardian yesterday that preliminary investigations revealed that the inferno was caused by two tanker drivers, who were struggling for space on the deplorable road.

According to him, in the midst of the struggle, the heavy-duty vehicle collided with a petrol laden truck and a rupture occurred. He explained that the inflammable product of the tanker spilled from the ruptured part and ignited the fire that engulfed about 120 houses and vehicles

Similarly, the State Chairman of PETROAN, Francis Dimkpa, noted that two trucks collided while jostling for a space and a spill occurred and ignited fire on the heavy gridlock.

In an interview with The Guardian last night, the state FRSC Commander said, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the incident happened a few minutes after 20:00hrs. on the Eleme East – West Road which is currently under renovation.

“Two truck drivers were jostling for space when their vehicles collided sideways, causing a rupture in the trailer of the truck carrying petroleum which resulted in petrol leakage and fire explosion”

Additionally, in a statement, he said. “FRSC personnel apart from traffic control, created diversion through Oyingbo as alternative route to ease traffic.

“We met the directive of the Governor of Rivers State to ensure that the road is freed for movement before the close of the day.

Continuing he said, “We mobilized Indorama Petrochemicals to provide a Crane that successfully removed all the trucks from the road at about 530pm.

“The carcasses by the shoulders of the road are also evacuated away by low bed trucks provided by the same company.

“Staff from three Commands namely RS6.1 (Rivers sector Command), RS6.11 (Eleme Unit Command) and RS6.16 (Obiakpo Unit Command) were mobilized to the scene for effective traffic management.

“Traffic control is still ongoing to enhance prompt removal of all burnt vehicles for free vehicular movement” He added