Edith CHUKU
The Rivers State Fire Service Commission and the Federal Fire Service, have been commended for their swift intervention that averted a disaster in Port Harcourt.
This commendation by residents, motorists and commuters was following an accident that occured in the early hours of Friday, when a tanker conveying petroleum products overturned along Elekahia Road, by Nkpogu Junction, Port Harcourt.
Nkpogu junction is a traffic corridor that connects the densely populated Elekahia axis to the industrial hub of Trans-Amadi.
The tanker was said to have fallen on its side, spilling its highly flammable content onto the road. The swift intervention of the fire service was said to have helped to disperse fuel vapours and secure the tanker, reducing the risk of fire.
Speaking with newsmen, a commuter, Mr Enyinda Chukwu explained that, “what happened this morning was both lives threatening, fearful and terrible because I have seen on Facebook where tanker fell and people were burnt to ashes but this one, we just give God all the glory.
“I was going to work when I saw it. And this junction is a very busy and crowded place; traders, business people even school children, like the car I entered, school children were inside, God forbid because what would have happened here today would have been unforgettable.
“Yes, sincerely, fire fighters did well. Even the police tried if not, trust Nigerians, they would have been rushing to pack it and who knows.
“They should just ensure it’s safely removed from the road and like the fire fighters are doing, they should keep pouring water because what poured on the road was too much.”
