Five people are said to have died in a fuel tanker explosion that occurred on Sapele-Benin road in Delta state.
The Gistlover learned that while navigating the collapsed sections of the highway around the Oghara axis, a fuel-filled tanker lost control, fell, spilled its contents on the road, and caught fire.
In a statement made available to journalists in the state’s Warri axis on Sunday, DSP Bright Edafe, the state police’s public relations officer, confirmed the incident.
Eight buses, two tankers, five trailers, two cars, and one motorcycle, according to Edafe, were completely burned as the fire raged out of control during the explosion.
In the early morning hours of today (Sunday), January 10, 2023, at 2:00 a.m., the Command reported a tragic incident in which a tanker carrying PMS that was being driven toward Benin along the Warri-Benin Road collapsed at the Ugbenu Koko Junction.
A few youngsters took advantage of the situation and started scooping the fuel into jerry cans and other containers after it spilled its contents into the nearby swamp.
“While they were doing it, there was an explosion, and the fire from the explosion covered the entire area.
“The fire destroyed several properties, including the fallen tanker, eight buses of various makes, two tankers, five trailers, two motorcycles, one Siena Space bus, and one ‘C’ Class Mercedes Benz car, and claimed the lives of five people among the youths who had come to scoop the spilled fuel.
“All of these affected vehicles’ registration numbers were obscured by the fire, making them difficult to read. When this outburst occurred, the scene was investigated, and the bodies of the victims were transported to the mortuary at Oghara General Hospital.
The Oghara Police Division’s men are working with the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) at the Ethiopa West Local Government Area (LGA) to remove any obstacles from the road so that traffic can move freely.
“In light of this tragic incident, CP Wale Abass of the Delta State Police Command offers his condolences to the families of those who perished in this unfortunate incident.
“He further expressed his disgust at the inescapable perversity of Nigerians, particularly the youth. Since this isn’t the first time such an incident has occurred, he said it is sad that we never learn from the past. He nevertheless makes a strong case for Nigerians to put aside their greed and stay away from situations where there are oil spills because doing so poses a serious risk to their lives and the lives of others.
The Federal Road Safety is also appreciated by the CP for cooperating with the Command to ensure the comfort of all motorists in Delta State. “
