A devastating tanker explosion in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has resulted in the confirmed deaths of at least three individuals. The incident occurred Tuesday morning in the Obiri-Ikwerre area of Obio/Akpor LGA.

Reports indicate that a truck transporting gas cylinders fell at the Obiri-Ikwerre interchange, igniting a massive fire. The initial fire triggered explosions from three of the cylinders, causing widespread panic as residents of Rumuosi and Ozuoba mistook the sounds for dynamite or powerful explosives.

The tanker, carrying numerous Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) cylinders, overturned and exploded while attempting to navigate a roundabout on the East-West Road. The explosion set fire to a nearby salon car with a passenger, resulting in severe injuries to multiple people and three confirmed fatalities.

Emergency responders, including firefighters, quickly arrived at the scene to extinguish the flames and secure the area. Police and other agencies assisted in diverting traffic around the incident site. According to sources, the truck driver narrowly escaped injury, fleeing moments before the explosion.

Grace Iringe-Koko, the Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, confirmed that three people lost their lives in the tragic event.