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Tragic Inferno Claims Lives and Vehicles on East-West Road in Eleme, Rivers State

A catastrophic fire incident on the East-West Road in Eleme, Rivers State, results in the loss of lives and the destruction of over 120 vehicles. Governor Siminalayi Fubara expresses sorrow over the tragedy and emphasizes the need for enhanced road safety measures.

Published

2 weeks ago

April 28, 2024

Stella Charles Akupue

Tragic Inferno Claims Lives and Vehicles on East-West Road in Eleme, Rivers State

A devastating fire incident on the East-West Road in Eleme, Rivers State, has left a trail of destruction, claiming the lives of a pregnant woman and four others while engulfing approximately 120 vehicles in flames.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, accompanied by key officials, including the State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the State Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Uchechukwu Nwafor, visited the scene to assess the extent of the damage and coordinate response efforts.

The catastrophic event occurred between the gates of the Indorama Petrochemical Company and the Aleto Bridge, a busy stretch currently undergoing significant reconstruction by the Federal Government. Governor Fubara expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy, attributing it to a collision between a petrol tanker and a tipper, exacerbated by impatience and the road’s poor condition.

“This tragic loss of over 120 vehicles and five lives is a sober reminder of the risks on our roads,” Governor Fubara remarked, emphasising the need for enhanced road safety measures.

In a speech delivered at Sir Celestine Omehia’s residence in Ubima, Governor Fubara described the incident as a significant setback amidst ongoing challenges in the state. He underscored the urgency of addressing road infrastructure deficiencies to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Governor Fubara’s prompt coordination with security agencies to secure the area and prevent further escalation reflects the state’s commitment to managing and mitigating the effects of such disasters. Meanwhile, the community, still reeling from shock, is beginning to come together, with local authorities prioritising restoring safety and order in the area.

The incident poignantly reminds us of the critical need for proactive measures to avert road accidents, including improved road maintenance, enforcement of traffic regulations, and public awareness campaigns on road safety.

As investigations into the cause of the accident continue, authorities and stakeholders are urged to collaborate closely to implement measures to prevent similar tragedies.

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