Five die in Delta tanker explosion

The Delta State Police Command has officially confirmed the tragic loss of five lives in a devastating petrol tanker explosion within the state. The announcement was made by DSP Bright Edafe, the spokesperson for the police command, on Sunday.

The  incident unfolded in the Ugbenu area of Ethiope West Local Government Area (LGA) in Delta State. According to Edafe, the incident took place when a tanker, carrying a load of petroleum, was en route to Benin City in the early morning hours.

“On October 1, 2023, at approximately 02:00 hours, the Command recorded a tragic incident in which a tanker laden with petroleum product, en route to Benin on the Warri-Benin Road, overturned at Ugbenu Koko Junction. The spilled content flowed into a nearby swamp, attracting several youths who began collecting the fuel in jerry cans and containers,” Edafe explained.

“While engaged in this activity, an explosion occurred, engulfing the entire area in flames. Tragically, the fire claimed the lives of five individuals among the youths who had come to collect fuel,” he added.

Edafe also reported that the remains of the victims have been transported to the morgue at Oghara General Hospital in Ethiope West.

In response to the incident, police officers from the Oghara division, in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Ethiope West, swiftly mobilized to the scene to ensure the free flow of traffic and manage the aftermath of the disaster.