A devastating fuel tanker explosion occurred on the Sapele-Benin Road in Delta State, Nigeria, on Sunday, resulting in the loss of five lives and the destruction of numerous vehicles and properties. The Delta State Police Command confirmed the tragic incident and provided details of the devastation.
The explosion occurred when a fuel-laden tanker lost control and toppled over while navigating the deteriorated portions of the highway around the Oghara-Ologbo axis. The fall of the tanker led to the spilling of its contents onto the road. The spilled fuel attracted nearby youths who began to collect it using jerry cans and containers.
Tragically, an explosion erupted during this process, engulfing the area in flames. The resulting fire claimed the lives of five individuals among the youths who had gathered to collect the spilled fuel. Additionally, the inferno razed several vehicles and properties, including the fallen tanker, eight buses of different makes, two tankers, five trailers, two motorcycles, one Siena Space bus, and one ‘C’ Class Mercedes Benz car.
The bodies of the victims were subsequently evacuated to the mortuary at Oghara General Hospital. This tragic incident underscores the dangers associated with fuel-related accidents and serves as a grim reminder of the importance of safety precautions when handling hazardous materials.