By our reporter 15.10.2025
Unspecified number of people have died and many others injured after an overturned petrol laden tanker exploded while some individuals were scooping the spilled fuel.
The incident occurred Thursday along the Benin-Lagos Expressway, near Oluku, Benin City, Edo State. The tanker flipped over at about 8.00am and the residents began to scoop the fuel. There was no security presence to deter them and four hours later the scene exploded into a giant ball of fire trapping many people and burning all the surrounding homes and shops.
According to a witness who was at the scene and luckily escaped the inferno, the explosion was caused by the individuals scooping the fuel.
“I was also among those who were scooping the fuel. I escaped by chance. 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 who were directly under the tanker were burnt while stores that were built on the drainage were burnt. Store were also burnt down as we are yet to know the number of people that died,” said the eyewitnes.
Firefighters arrived at the scene and battled to put the flames under control.
The dead and the injured were rushed to the nearby University of Benin Teaching Hospital with the medical director Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, leading the response team to stabilise those who are on dangerlist and those who have minor burns.
Devastation left behind at the scene of the accident.
Photo: The Guardian