Many feared dead as fire guts boats at Port Harcourt jetty.

Many people have been feared dead following a fire outbreak which gutted market boats at Bonny/Bille/Nembe jetty in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

The tragic incident happened on Monday morning when traders were offloading goods from the boats.

Confirming the incident is Omoni Nnamdi, Rivers police public relations officer.

According to the police spokesperson, the fire engulfed five boats with passengers trapped in them.

The boats were reportedly discharging locally refined petroleum products at the jetty when the fire erupted.

In a video of the incident seen by our reporter, traders can be seen rushing to pack up their wares and scamper for safety as the fire raged on

The police spokesperson said the number of casualties cannot be ascertained at the moment.

He, however, said the police and a rescue team are already at the scene of the incident and that the fire has been put out.

“The details are still sketchy but the DPO and his men are already at the scene. The fire has been put out. Five passenger boat caught fire,” he said.

“We are yet to ascertain the number of casualties.”