Edo State Tanker Explosion Leaves Many Feared Dead

In the early hours of Thursday, a petrol tanker accident occurred at approximately 4 a.m. in Oluku, Benin City, Edo State. The tanker, which was laden with fuel, attempted 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 the spilled fuel. Tragically, shortly after the tanker fell, it exploded, resulting in scores feared dead and leaving several victims burnt beyond recognition.

Ten individuals sustained varying degrees of injuries and were transported to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for medical care. The corpses of the deceased were also taken to the hospital's mortuary.

Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, the Chief Medical Director of UBTH, was seen leading the emergency response team to stabilize severe casualties. Preye Ezekiel Bedford, the Edo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, confirmed that officials from the FRSC, Police, Fire Service, and Edo State Traffic Management Agency were present to manage the situation.