An unspecified number of persons have been burnt to death after two tankers laden with fuel exploded in Rivers State on Tuesday.
The explosion occurred at a checkpoint in Omurelu commumity along the Elele-Owerri Road, Ikwere Local Government Area, Rivers State.
The explosion caused an inferno that spread in the community, destroying houses, valuable properties and leaving some persons severely injured.
Narrating the incident, an indigene of the community, Innocent Amadi, said the explosion 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.
Amadi said the two tankers fell, spilled their contents and burst into flames.
