43 FEARED DEAD AFTER TOXIC FUMES INCIDENT AT OKRIKA JETTY

An overnight petroleum-related incident at Okrika Jetty in Rivers State has reportedly claimed the lives of 43 people, following their exposure to toxic fumes during an alleged illegal fuel siphoning operation.

The incident is said to have occurred around midnight on Thursday in Okrika Local Government Area, where a vessel was reportedly being loaded with petroleum products for export.

Sources familiar with the incident said the victims were allegedly engaged in the unauthorised siphoning of fuel when they inhaled poisonous fumes from the petroleum products.

The exposure reportedly resulted in multiple casualties, with the death toll said to have risen to 43.

Details surrounding the incident remained sketchy at the time of filing this report, including the identities of the deceased and whether anyone survived the incident.

The development has renewed concerns over the dangers associated with illegal petroleum product siphoning, particularly around vessels, jetties and other oil-handling facilities.

Authorities are expected to commence investigations to determine the circumstances that led to the incident and establish the actual number of casualties.

Further details are expected as emergency responders and relevant authorities assess the scene and investigate the incident.