Fubara promises compensation for victims of Rivers fire disaster

Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has vowed to compensate victims of the fire disaster that consumed close to 100 vehicles and lives along Eleme axis of the East-West Road in Rivers State.

He disclosed this when he visited the scene of the fire disaster on Saturday in the company of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu and the Director of State Security Service.

The Governor said: “We are here to see for ourselves to get a first-hand report of the incident that happened yesterday at about 7:30pm that was caused by a tanker conveying PMS.

“I got the information through the MD of Indorama and I immediately alerted the security agencies to make sure they step in. From what we are seeing this morning it is not a pleasant situation.

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“From what I am seeing a huge number of vehicles was destroyed, Souls lost. I have asked the security agencies to give us a full brief so that we can come into the situation fully by seeing how much we can support the families who are bereaved and how we can cushion the loss which is no fault of theirs.

“We all know the situation of this road. It is really really unfortunate. Most of our people when plying this road should ply with caution. I believe strongly that this situation would have been avoided if the motorists have behaved properly.”

Daily Trust reports that five people were burnt to death and over 70 vehicles including heavy-duty trucks were destroyed following a multiple explosion at the Eleme section of the East-West Road in Rivers State on Friday night.

The spokesperson for the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, told journalists on Saturday, that five people have been confirmed dead, adding that the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, and his team were on the ground last night to ensure there was no breakdown of law and order.

It was gathered that a tanker laden with petroleum products exploded and busted into flames, affecting other vehicles in the area which is known for its gridlock.

The incident started at about 9:15pm adjacent the Indorama Petrochemical Company located along the Akpojo-Onne axis of the East-West Road leading to some critical national assets.