By Frank Ulom
There has been a fire incident on the new Ikom Bridge in Cross River State.
The incident happened on Tuesday night, 16th April, when a fuel tanker loaded with diesel bursted into flames.
According to sources, the tanker fell and blocked the new bridge while it bursted into wild flames.
One of the sources, Elijah Ugani, said, “A truck conveying diesel loose control, fell and blocked the newly constructed bridge.”
Ugani who shared the information at about 10 PM, said: “Vehicles are currently using the old bridge.”
He advised drivers plying the road to use the old bridge.
At the time of filling this report, CONVERSEER could not ascertain if there was any damage on the bridge or loss of life.
The new Ikom Bridge was commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, 23rd May 2023. He was represented by Babatunde Fashola, former Minister of Works and Housing.
Ikom Local Government Area has been prone to fire with five recorded cases in the past four months.
The first incident was an indiscriminate fire incident that burnt down SteadyFlow College of Education in Akparabong on 16th January.
The second was on 7th March, when a 42-room apartment located at #9 Deeper Life Church Road, Four Corners, was razed by fire.
The third fire incident happened on 27th March, when a fuel tanker carrying diesel worth over N50 million busted up in flames along Calabar Road by County Specialist Hospital, 4 Corners, burning 32 motorcycles and 29 shops.
The fourth was the burning of Ikom Market on 8th April, which affected over five lines and 620 shops.