Tanker Crushes Two People In Rivers State

Two persons were confirmed dead when a tanker suspected to be carrying Liquefied Natural Gas exploded at the Obiri-Ikwerre flyover along the East-West on the outskirts of Port Harcourt in Rivers state.

The explosion happened about 9:25 am when the tanker overturned while trying to bypass the flyover and went up in flames instantly crashing a salon car with two people inside.

The two occupants of the car were trapped, they could not escape and were burnt beyond recognition.

This came after a month when a fuel-laden tanker exploded along the Eleme axis of the East-West Road claiming about five lives and burnt over 60 cars.

The Obiri-Kwere flyover leads to the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa in the Ikwerre local government area of the state.

Several Factors That Contribute To The High Incidence Of Accidents At The Obiri-Kwere Road In Rivers

 The flyover’s design, particularly the bypass, is challenging for heavy vehicles like tankers. The sharp curves and limited visibility make it difficult for drivers to move safely.

 As a major route to the Port Harcourt International Airport, the flyover experiences heavy traffic, including large commercial vehicles. The congestion increases the likelihood of accidents.

 Potholes, uneven surfaces, contributes to the high level of Accidents. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure road safety, but this has often been neglected.

 Speeding, reckless driving, and lack of adherence to traffic rules are common issues. Many accidents are preventable if drivers exercise caution and follow road safety regulations.

However The fire has been put out but the area is still dangerous because the gas is still leaking.

Motorists are advised to take alternative routes to avoid any further casualty.