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Four Killed as CNG Truck Explodes in Rivers State

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 4th, 2024.

Four Killed as CNG Truck Explodes in Rivers State

By Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt

A tragic incident in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has left at least four people dead after a heavy-duty truck carrying eight Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinders overturned and ignited at the Obiri Ikwerre flyover.

The incident happened on Tuesday, and preliminary investigations reveal that the truck was transporting high-pressure CNG cylinders intended for vehicle fuel use. Eyewitnesses reported hearing about four explosions as some of the cylinders detonated.

An observer at the scene told our correspondent that the burning truck landed on another vehicle. Although the truck driver, whose identity remains unknown, managed to escape, the occupants of the other vehicle were not as fortunate.

The Federal Fire Service has since extinguished the blaze.

In a related incident that caused widespread panic, a petroleum tanker overturned and exploded after falling onto a smaller car at the same flyover in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area near Port Harcourt. Witnesses reported the explosion occurred around 9:30 AM, completely burning the car.

This fire incident led to significant traffic disruptions as both vehicular and pedestrian movements were redirected to avoid the danger. At the time of reporting, the Federal Fire Service was actively working to control the fire.

Firefighters and security personnel have cordoned off the area to manage the situation and ensure public safety.