Fuel tanker explosion in Edo leaves multiple casualties

A tragic incident occurred in Edo at approximately 4 a.m. when a petrol tanker attempting to make a U-turn near Oluku Market fell and spilled its contents onto the road. Witnesses reported that residents and passers-by rushed to the scene to scoop fuel from the road and drainage channels.

Before security operatives arrived to cordon off the area, a soldier warned one witness about the danger of igniting a fire due to the sunny conditions. Shortly after, the tanker exploded, resulting in several victims being burnt beyond recognition.

Two men directly under the tanker were reported to be burnt, and stores built on the drainage were also destroyed. Ten injured victims were transported to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital for medical attention, while the corpses were deposited at the hospital's mortuary.

The exact number of fatalities remains unknown.