A fuel tanker explosion on the Sapele-Benin Road has claimed the lives of five people.
The explosion also destroyed eight buses, two tankers, five trailers, two cars, and one motorcycle.
The explosion occurred when a fuel-laden tanker lost control and fell, spilling its contents on the road, while maneuvering the failed portions of the highway around the Oghara-Ologbo axis, thus causing a fire.
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The tanker was heading towards Benin City in the morning when the unfortunate incident happened.
According to reports, the incident happened on Sunday, October 1, 2023, around 2 am.
The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the incident and stated that the bodies of the victims were evacuated to Oghara General Hospital’s mortuary.
The command’s Spokesperson, DSP Bright Edafe disclosed that the explosion claimed the lives of five persons among the youth who had come to scoop fuel.
He said:
“In the early hours of Oct. 1, 2023, at about 0200hrs, the Command recorded a tragic incident where a tanker, laden with petroleum product, being driven towards Benin on the Warri – Benin Road fell at Ugbenu Koko Junction.
“Its content spilled into the nearby swamp and the spillage attracted a couple of youths who took advantage of the incident and started scooping fuel into jerry cans and other containers.
“While they were at it, an explosion erupted and the fire from the explosion engulfed the whole area.
“The fire claimed lives of five persons among the youths who had come to scoop fuel.”
