Tanker crash kills three family members in Port Harcourt
A tragic accident involving a petrol tanker that crashed into a steep gutter along Aba Road in the Rumuola area of Port Harcourt has claimed the lives of three family members whose house is located near the scene of the accident.
The tanker reportedly fell near Mummy B junction where its content started leaking into a canal that runs close to the victims’ residence. After flowing unhindered for four hours, the fuel gathered enough heat that ignited an inferno that ravaged the area.
Witnesses say that the affected family members were asleep in their home when the incident occurred and they had no forewarning until it was too late. Two people were rescued alive by the neighbours while the deceased ones were burnt beyond recognition.
The neighbours identified the victims as Blessing Lebara and her two children, Wisdom and Esther, who used to sell banana along Waterlines in Port Harcourt. One of the neighbours who spoke to Southern City News as Pastor Sunday Etienam said that he was devastated by the incident after helping rescue the two survivors.
“My house was also burnt. I helped save Joseph and Miracle from the house after I heard them crying, otherwise it would have been five casualties today,” he said.
Many other residents were affected by the fire which razed down several properties in the area as well.
