Metro
CALABAR: Over 60 people scooping fuel burnt to death as tanker explodes
Tragedy struck along the Odukpani LGA axis of Ikom-calabar Highway near the Federal Housing estate, Calabar, Cross River State, when a tanker loaded with Petroleum product fell and exploded burning no less than 60 victims to death.
According to reports, the victims lost their lives while they were scooping fuel from the upturned tanker which later went up in wild flames.
Recounting the gory incident, an eyewitness identified as Mr Slyvester Ilem said; “I saw people running to the scene with gallons and other containers to scoop fuel after the tanker veered off the road into a ditch by the roadside.
“Police officers from Odukpani Division also tried to cordon-off the area but the people refused and continued to scoop fuel. The rest is now history as the tanker burst into flames and engulfed all the people near and within the radius that the product had spread to.
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“Let me be modest, the people scooping that fuel will not be less than 60 to 70 people because it was like a market place,” he added.
The incident was confirmed by DSP Irene Ugbo, the State Public Relations Officer, who informed that his men warned residents about the dangers of scooping fuel from the upturned truck loaded with Petroleum products but they failed to heed the warning.
“Our men from Odukpani Division went there to cordon-off the area but the people refused and continued scooping fuel and before we knew it, the place was already in flames. As we speak, we cannot confirm the number of deceased persons because the fire is still heavy.
“It is only when the fire subsides that we can account for the victims, and give analysis of what happened there,” she said. She however condoled with the families who lost their loved ones in the tragedy.
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