Two killed in Imo as petrol tanker explodes
Two persons were killed and a few others wounded as a truck load of fuel exploded at the Irete area of Imo State along the Owerri- Onitsha highway on Friday.
The cause of the explosion which happened close to the Forte Oil petrol station was yet to be ascertained, but eyewitnesses said the heavy explosion caused panic in the area.
Our informant said the driver of the tanker and a woman, returning from a nearby local market, died in the explosion while many others were injured.
According to our source, Augustine Oparanozie, the timely intervention of the men of the state fire service save what would have been a devastating and bloody incident.
“The incident would have been more disastrous but for the timely arrival of the Imo State Fire Service. It is unfortunate that we lost two persons in the fire, the driver and a woman. Others have been rushed to a nearby hospital.”
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Orlando Ikeokwu, confirmed the incident.
Ikeokwu, however, said he could only confirm the death of one person.
