4 feared dead, several injured as petrol tanker explodes in Edo

At least four people are feared dead, while several others sustained varying degrees of burns and injuries after a petrol tanker exploded at Oluku, along the Benin-Lagos Highway in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, on Thursday.

The explosion also destroyed several vehicles and razed a market owned by a prominent businessman, Chief Osamede Adun, popularly known as Bob Izua.

The incident reportedly occurred after the tanker fell on the road, prompting residents to rush to the scene to scoop petrol despite attempts by security personnel to stop them.

According to witnesses, the tanker fell at about 7:30 a.m., attracting residents who allegedly began collecting the spilled fuel in containers to take to their homes.

A shop owner whose business is located opposite the scene said efforts by security agencies to prevent people from scooping the petrol were unsuccessful.

“It was as they were scooping fuel that the fire started. It spread to the Bob Izua market along the road.

“Many cars were affected in the incident because the fire spread quickly. We have counted four persons that died. One soldier is among the dead.”

The source added that the fire spread rapidly, engulfing vehicles, shops and other structures around the accident scene.

Ten people who sustained severe burns were reportedly taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for emergency treatment.

One of the victims, who requested anonymity, said he narrowly escaped being caught in the inferno after a soldier warned him about the danger of scooping the fuel under the prevailing conditions.

The victim recounted how the tanker burst into flames moments after he turned around to look at the scene.

“I was also among those who were scooping the fuel. I escaped with whiskers. It was a soldier who called me and drew my attention to the fact that it was sunny and way the people rushed to scoop the fuel might ignite fire.

“As I looked back after he spoke to me, the tanker busted into flames as people around the area ran for dear lives. I thank the soldier; if not, I would have been burnt by now.

“Two men from the northern part who were directly under the tanker were burnt, while stores that were built on the drainage were burnt. The store was also burnt down, as we are yet to know the number of people that died. However, 10 people were rushed to the emergency unit of the UBTH.

Meanwhile, the management of UBTH reportedly mobilised its emergency response teams to attend to the victims brought to the hospital.

The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, was said to have personally coordinated the emergency response, leading teams across the accident, emergency and burns units to stabilise critically injured victims and reduce the risk of further fatalities.

The exact number of casualties was yet to be officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.

 

(VANGUARD)