Fire guts cargo boat in Rivers

A boat conveying some persons have reportedly caught fire in the Bonny/Bille/Nembe Jetty at Port Harcourt township area of Rivers state.

The boat, popularly known as market boat, was conveying traders to an unknown destination when it burst into flames.

It was learnt that the fire which started around 10 am on Monday, is still raging.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained but eyewitnesses suspected that a careless smoker may have thrown an unspent cigarette into the boat.

According to eyewitnesses, a woman and her three children on board were feared dead.

The double-deck cargo boat usually conveys over 50 persons and goods.

There have been incessant fire outbreaks in the State since the weekend.