Scores Feared Dead, over 10 Injured in Edo Tanker Explosion
Felix Omoh-Asun in Benin City Scores of people were feared dead, while 10 others were reported to have sustained varying degrees of injuries at the scene of a fallen petrol tanker
At around 4 a.m. on Thursday, a petrol tanker accident occurred on the Benin-Lagos Road in Edo State, near Oluku market. The tanker, carrying fuel, attempted a u-turn but ended up overturning and spilling its contents onto the road. Witnesses reported that immediately after the accident, people rushed to the scene to scoop up the spilled fuel.
The truck's owner then brought another tanker to evacuate the remaining fuel, but the explosion that followed left many victims burned beyond recognition and others with varying degrees of injuries. Ten injured individuals were taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for medical treatment. The Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, led an emergency response team across the accident site to stabilize severe casualties and minimize fatalities.
The Federal Road Safety Corps, Police, Fire Service, and Edo State Traffic Management Agency were present at the scene to control traffic. The Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council expressed deep sorrow over the incident, commending the UBTH management and staff for their prompt and compassionate response.
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