The Delta State Police Command has officially verified that a tragic petrol tanker explosion claimed the lives of five individuals within the state.
On Sunday, DSP Bright Edafe, the spokesperson for the command, provided confirmation of this incident.
As previously reported by Igbere TV, a harrowing event unfolded, with numerous casualties feared and vehicles engulfed in flames. This catastrophic incident involved a fuel-laden tanker that exploded in Delta on the same day.
Edafe has detailed that this heart-wrenching incident transpired in the vicinity of Ugbenu, situated within the Ethiope West Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State.
He said that the tanker, laden with petrol, was heading towards Benin City in the morning when the unfortunate incident happened.
“In the early hours of Oct. 1, 2023, at about 0200hrs, the Command recorded a tragic incident where a tanker, laden with petroleum product, being driven towards Benin on the Warri-Benin Road fell at Ugbenu Koko Junction.
“Its content spilled into the nearby swamp and the spillage attracted a couple of youths who took advantage of the incident and started scooping fuel into jerry cans and other containers.
“While they were at it, an explosion erupted and the fire from the explosion engulfed the whole area.
“The fire claimed the lives of five persons among the youths who had come to scoop fuel,” Edafe said.
He said that several properties, including eight buses of different makes, two tankers, five trailers, two motorcycles, a Sienna space wagon and a ‘C’ Class Mercedes Benz car were also burnt.
Edafe added that the remains of the victims had been deposited at the Oghara General Hospital’s morgue in Ethiope West.
He said that the police operatives attached to the Oghara division, in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) at Ethiope West, had mobilised to the scene to ensure the free flow of traffic.
