Many feared dead as petrol tanker explodes in Edo

Many people are feared dead, while 10 others sustained varying degrees of injuries, when a fuel tanker fell and exploded along Oluku on the Benin-Lagos road in Edo State today, October 15.

The ill-fated petrol tanker reportedly fell to the side while attempting to make a U-turn near Oluku Market fell and spilled its contents on the road.

Witnesses said shortly after the tanker fell, residents and other passers-by rushed to the scene and began scooping fuel from the road and drainage channels.

One of the witnesses said people who arrived early at the scene joined in scooping, before security operatives arrived and cordoned off the area.

He said the truck owner later brought another tanker to evacuate the remaining content from the fallen vehicle before it exploded, leaving several victims burnt beyond recognition.

He said 10 injured victims were rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for medical attention, while corpses were deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.