Breaking News: Petroleum Tanker Falls, Causes Traffic Gridlock

• Residents rush out of their homes to scoop diesel

By PHC Telegraph

A tanker conveying petroleum products to an undisclosed destination has fallen across a section of the Port Harcourt Aba Expressway, blocking the flow of traffic and spewing its content on the road.

No fire outbreak has been reported due to the mishap.

The vehicle with registration number BGM 170 XA which was loaded with diesel was headed this evening in the direction of Rumuomasi when the unfortunate incident occurred.

A Correspondent of the Port Harcourt Telegraph, Dan Nnodim who was on his way home when the incident occurred said the tanker fell across the road at a point close to Rumuogba Roundabout and Shell’s residential quarters along the road.

Residents within the neighbourhood, he reports, poured into the road clutching buckets, basins and Jerry cans with which they scooped the gushing product.

A firefighter, Muhammed, who serves with the Federal Fire Service told the Telegraph that the accident was caused by the recklessness of the driver.

He also admitted while answering another question that the vehicle did not appear to be roadworthy.

Meanwhile, security operatives have completely taken over control of the area in an effort to prevent possible threats to road users and other persons who are living within the vicinity.