At least two people have died and properties destroyed in a man-made fire tragedy that occurred in Imo state, leaving behind very sad scene and worrisome situation.
The incident which threw many into mourning is said to have cripple business activity in the axis owing to the heavy traffic gridlock.
News correspondent reports that it was a sad Friday for the people of Irete community in Owerri west local government area of the state, as a Gas Tank vehicle got engulf in fire leading to the destruction of lives and many properties.
According to eye witnesses two persons died in the sad incident with one burnt beyond recognition.
While blaming the incident on reckless driving of the driver of the gas tank vehicle, many fault the system for not having a quick response team put in place for such emergency thereby causing the unfortunate death of two individuals and lose of properties.
Confirming the incident, the coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Imo state, Evans Ugoh, said after discharging its content at the filling station, the petroleum tanker was about reversing and maneuvering its way out of the premises when it was hit by a J5 commercial bus conveying pineapples on top speed. The bus lost control and rammed into the truck, leading to a heavy explosion.
Mr. Ugoh confirmed that one of the occupants of the J5 commercial bus, a female, died on the spot while 3 other persons who sustained fatal injuries have been rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
He said, however, officials of the IMO state fire service, Red Cross, Civil defense, the Nigerian Police and NEMA officials were all on the ground for rescue operations.
