Scores Dead, Dozens Injured in Horrific Edo Tanker Explosion

A tragic inferno, sparked by a fallen petrol tanker that spilled its contents, has reportedly caused multiple fatalities and numerous injuries in the Oluku area of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. on Thursday when the tanker attempted a U-turn near Oluku Market, subsequently falling and releasing fuel onto the road and into adjoining drainage channels.

Eyewitnesses recounted a chaotic scene as residents and passers-by immediately rushed to scoop the spilled petrol into gallons and buckets, despite the inherent dangers. Security operatives later arrived to cordon off the perilous area. The inferno was ignited when a resident, who had scooped petrol into a 25-litre jerry can, strapped it to his motorcycle and began to ride off, unaware that the container was leaking. Obasogie Felix, an eyewitness, described seeing a sudden spark that quickly escalated into a massive fire.

Another witness, who narrowly escaped the blaze, detailed how he was also participating in scooping fuel when a soldier warned him about the extreme danger posed by the sunny conditions and the crowd's actions. Moments after the warning, the tanker erupted in flames, sending people scrambling for safety. This witness credits the soldier's timely intervention for saving his life. The immediate aftermath saw two men beneath the tanker burnt, with numerous shops built along the drainage channels and other nearby stores completely destroyed by the fire.

As of the time of reporting, the exact number of fatalities remained unconfirmed. However, ten injured victims were rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for urgent treatment, and bodies of the deceased were deposited at the hospital’s mortuary. Idia Ize-Iyamu, the Chief Medical Director of UBTH, was observed leading the emergency response team, coordinating efforts across the accident emergency and burns units to stabilize victims and minimize further loss of life.

In response to the disaster, Preye Bedford, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Edo, confirmed that personnel from the FRSC, police, fire service, and the Edo State Traffic Management Agency were deployed to the scene to control traffic and manage the situation. Mr. Bedford indicated that he would provide official casualty figures once they had been thoroughly compiled at the scene.