Tragedy In Rivers As Fuel Tanker Tumbles, Spills Contents And Crushes Teenage Girl To Death

It was a black day at the Obiri-Kwere flyover, on the outskirts of Port Harcourt when a petrol tanker fell, spilled its content and killed a young girl on Friday.

The tanker emptied its content on the road, causing heavy traffic and forced motorist to divert too other routes on Friday.

It was gathered that the incident attracted residents and passers-by to the scene, as tears flowed freely.

An eyewitness, who preferred anonymity, told our correspondent that the truck cut off and one of its parts hit the girl, who jumped out of a tricycle she was in.

“I was at home when suddenly we saw a trailer making noise. The body of the trailer was separated from the head.

“So, the girl felt that the head of the trailer was going to hit the tricycle she was in, so she jumped out and the body of the trailer fell on her.

“The trailer driver ran away from the scene initially but later returned.”

When contacted, acting spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said she had yet to get report of the incident.

“I’m not aware of it, but I will find out from the DPO of that area and get back to you,” she said.

However, the Head of Operations, Federal Road Safety Commission, Rivers State Command, Chukwuma Mbaegbu, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on the telephone.

“Yes, we are aware; our men went there for rescue and to control the traffic. The girl was afraid when the tanker lost control. It is very unfortunate,” Mbaegbu stated.