Two tankers reportedly carrying adulterated petroleum products exploded in Rivers State on Tuesday, leaving yet-to-be ascertained number of persons burnt to death.
The explosion was said to have occurred while the drivers where trying to avoid a police check-point at Omurelu commumity along the Elele-Owerri Road, Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state.
The inferno that resulted from the blast was said to have spread in the community, destroying houses, valuable properties and leaving some persons severely injured.
An indigene of the community, Innocent Amadi, said the incident happened when one of the tankers conveying the inflammable product was flagged down by a petroleum taskforce operating in the area.
He said while the taskforce was trying to ‘extort’ the tanker driver, another tanker driver on speed lost control and hit the stationary one at the checkpoint
He said the two tankers fell, spilled their contents and burst into flames.
