A tanker conveying adulterated petroleum products has exploded while trying to avoid a police check-point at Omurelu commumity along the Elele-Owerri Road in the Ikwere Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The inferno that resulted from the explosion reportedly spread in the community, destroying houses, valuable properties and leaving some persons severely injured.

Innocent Amadi, an indigene of the community, said the incident happened when one of the tankers conveying the inflammable products was flagged down by a petroleum taskforce operating in the area.

He said while the taskforce was trying to “extort” the tanker driver, another tanker driver on speed lost control of his truck and hit the stationary one at the checkpoint.

He said the two tankers fell, spilled their contents and burst into flames, lamenting that the taskforce maintained many checkpoints within the community.

“Angry youths from the community went on rampage, destroying other checkpoints in the community. They are angry with the activities of the taskforce. We are calling on the state government to intervene to save our people”, he said.