Tanker accident results in fire outbreak, consumes shops, houses in Yenagoa, but no fatalities

Elizabeth Vincent, Yenagoa

A devastating tanker fire broke out near Okaki Junction on the Akenfa axis of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, destroying several shops and homes. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the inferno.

Eyewitnesses and victims recounted the ordeal, blaming the police for the incident. Smart Okhwo, a victim from Ofoni community in Sagbama Local Government Area, said he received a call that his house was on fire. Upon arrival, he found his house, including a POS kiosk operated by his son, completely destroyed.

Okhwo praised rescue efforts by good Samaritans before the fire service arrived but criticized the police for their alleged role in the incident. “The police blocked the tanker’s path with a keke, causing the driver to swerve and lose control, resulting in the tanker’s summersault and subsequent fire,” he said.

Another victim, Dennis Godwin from Delta State, who had traveled two days prior, received an urgent call to return due to the fire. He expressed gratitude that no lives were lost but appealed to the government for assistance.

A trader who lost goods in the fire simply stated, “All we need is justice.”

Firefighter Nelson Meeting, who led the response team, lamented that onlookers hindered their operations by taking videos and not giving them enough space to work. “Radiation from phones is dangerous in such situations,” he warned.

In response to allegations, Police Public Relations Officer Musa Mohammed denied police involvement, stating that the tanker’s brake failure caused the accident. “The driver lost control, hitting a keke, but the keke driver escaped and was rescued from Epie Creek,” Mohammed said.

Tanker fire destroys shops and homes in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State no lives lost, but significant property damaged. Victims are blaming the  police for the incident, citing alleged reckless blocking of tanker.

How ever Police deny involvement, citing brake failure as cause. firefighters emphasize need for public cooperation during emergencies, victims appeal to government for assistance and justice.