SIX PERSONS BURN TO DEAD AS FIRE RAZES 25 HOUSES IN RIVERS STATE

TRAGEDY struck in Rivers State in the early hours of Saturday when a tanker loaded with petrol overturned and spilled its content.

The accident, which occurred about 4:30am, caused a fire outbreak that killed six persons, including a family of four that were asleep during the incident. Twelve other people were injured

SUNDAY PUNCH gathered that the tanker, which fell at Igwuruta Roundabout in Ikwerre Local Government Area, was burnt beyond recognition as the fire spread to nearby buildings.

The identities of those who died during the incident were still unknown as at the time of filing this report.

An eyewitness, who identified himself as Phillip, said the impact of the tanker on the ground ignited the fire, which was increased by the spilled petrol.

“Efforts were made to get fire fighters to come and put out the fire. But the fire fighters never came until about two hours after the incident,” he said.

SUNDAY PUNCH, however, learnt that a mob that felt irked that the fire fighters arrived late at the scene of the incident beat up six operatives of the fire brigade.

The fire fighters, who were seriously injured, were taken to a nearby hospital.

The State Police Commissioner, Mr. Mohammed Indabawa, confirmed the incident and described it as “sad.”

The State Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Emeka Worgu, who was at the scene to see things for himself, said the incident was “unfortunate.”

Source : Punch