Several people are feared dead following an Edo tanker explosion that left victims burnt alive and at least 10 others injured along the Benin-Lagos road.
The incident happened around 4 a.m. on Thursday near Oluku Market in Edo State. The petrol tanker reportedly fell while attempting to make a U-turn, spilling fuel onto the road and nearby drainage channels.
How the Edo Tanker Explosion Happened
Eyewitnesses said residents and passers-by rushed to the scene after the tanker fell. Some began scooping petrol from the road and drainage channels before security operatives arrived and restricted access to the area.
The situation reportedly took a deadly turn when the truck’s owner brought another tanker to evacuate the remaining fuel from the fallen vehicle.
The tanker subsequently burst into flames, trapping several people in the fire. Some victims were reportedly burnt beyond recognition, while nearby shops built along the drainage were also destroyed.
One eyewitness, who admitted participating in the fuel scooping, said he narrowly escaped death after a soldier warned him about the danger.
According to him, the soldier drew his attention to the risk of a fire breaking out as people continued to collect petrol.
The witness said the tanker erupted in flames shortly after he turned to look at the scene. He credited the soldier’s warning with helping him escape the disaster.
He added that two men directly beneath the tanker were burnt in the incident. However, the exact number of people who died remained unknown at the time of the report.
Injured Victims Taken to UBTH
At least 10 injured victims were reportedly taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for treatment.
The bodies of those who died were also deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.
UBTH management reportedly mobilised emergency personnel to attend to the victims. The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu, was seen coordinating the response across the accident, emergency and burns units.
FRSC, Security Agencies Respond
The Edo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Preye Ezekiel Bedford, confirmed that emergency and security agencies were at the scene.
He said FRSC officials, police officers, firefighters and personnel of the Edo State Traffic Management Agency were working to control traffic around the affected area.
Bedford, who was still at the scene, said further details about the casualties would be provided later.
The final death toll had yet to be confirmed as emergency responders continued their activities at the scene.