Tragic Boat Explosion Claims 20 Lives In Bayelsa 

By Stephen Asaba-ase

A devastating boat explosion occurred in Ekeni, near Ezetu in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, resulting in the loss of 20 lives. The incident happened on Wednesday when a local boat with an inboard engine caught fire, causing a massive explosion.

According to investigations, the boat was carrying traders from the Eastern part of the country who were traveling to Yenagoa, the state capital. The driver’s reckless behavior is believed to have caused the accident, as he attempted to refuel the engine while it was still running, resulting in diesel spilling onto the engine and igniting.

The traditional ruler of Ezetu, HRH Israel N. Igbousa, confirmed that 37 people were rescued with varying degrees of burns, while 18-19 bodies have been recovered so far. He expressed sadness over the incident and commended the authorities for their efforts.

Governor Diri has ordered an investigation into the cause of the accident and urged boat operators to adhere to safety procedures on the state’s waterways. The relevant ministries and departments have been directed to join the ongoing rescue efforts.

This tragic incident highlights the importance of prioritizing safety measures to prevent such avoidable accidents in the future.