Several persons burnt to death as fuel tanker explodes on East-West road in Rivers state (photos)

No fewer than 100 persons are feared burnt to death after a tanker carrying petroleum products burst into flames along the Eleme axis of the East-West road in Rivers state on Friday night April 26.

According to reports, the explosion occurred while the tanker, navigating the dilapidated road, was hit by another heavy-duty vehicle, igniting flames and an explosion. 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.

It is believed that while many people fled their vehicles as the flames spread, some were not as lucky.

The full extent of the damage caused by the inferno and the casualty figures are yet to be ascertained. The Eleme axis of the East-West road has been notorious for its hazardous conditions, prompting repeated protests from concerned citizens demanding urgent repairs.