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A gas tanker accident on the Iwofe/Rumuolumeni Road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, caused serious traffic gridlock that persisted until Tuesday night, leaving motorists and commuters stranded for several hours.
The incident occurred around the Gas Bus Stop between Monday night and the early hours of Tuesday when the rear section of the gas-laden tanker reportedly tipped over, while its front section remained upright.
The accident obstructed a significant portion of the busy road, resulting in a heavy build-up of traffic and disrupting vehicular movement in the area.
Men of the fire service arrived at the scene on Tuesday morning to manage the situation and ensure the area was safe, amid concerns over the potential danger posed by the gas being conveyed by the tanker.
Despite efforts to manage the situation, the obstruction continued to affect traffic movement, with the resulting gridlock reportedly remaining until Tuesday night.
Motorists were forced to spend extended periods on the road as vehicles struggled to navigate the affected section.
The incident has renewed concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Iwofe/Rumuolumeni Road, which has reportedly become increasingly difficult for motorists to navigate.
Residents and road users have repeatedly raised concerns about damaged portions of the road, particularly the challenges they pose to motorists and heavy-duty vehicles.
The latest incident has therefore heightened calls for urgent intervention to rehabilitate the road and improve traffic movement along the busy corridor.
