The police in Delta State have reported that five individuals lost their lives in a petrol tanker explosion that took place in the state. Bright Edafe, the spokesperson for the Delta State police, revealed this information to the media in Warri. The incident occurred on October 1st in Ugbenu, Ethiope West local government area of the state. According to Edafe, the tanker, carrying petrol, was en route to Benin City in the morning when the tragic incident occurred.
"In the early hours of October 1, 2023, at around 0200hrs, a tragic event unfolded where a tanker loaded with petroleum product, traveling towards Benin on the Warri-Benin Road, toppled at Ugbenu Koko Junction. The spilled fuel attracted some youths who began collecting it in jerry cans and containers. While they were doing so, an explosion occurred, engulfing the entire area. This resulted in the loss of lives, with five individuals among the youths who were collecting fuel losing their lives," Edafe stated.
He also mentioned that numerous vehicles, including eight buses of various makes, two tankers, five trailers, two motorcycles, a Sienna space wagon, and a 'C' Class Mercedes Benz car, were consumed by the fire. The remains of the victims have been placed in the morgue at Oghara General Hospital in Ethiope West.
Additionally, Edafe noted that the police, in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Ethiope West, had taken measures to ensure the smooth flow of traffic at the scene. He conveyed the sympathy of the Delta Command's commissioner of police, Wale Abass, to the families who lost their loved ones, while also cautioning against greed and emphasizing the dangers of engaging in activities around oil spillages.