An explosion from a tanker laden with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol has claimed the lives of five persons at Ugbenu Koko Junction on the Warri-Benin Highway in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The petrol tanker fell at the Ugbenu Koko Junction in the early hours of Sunday thereby spilling its content into the nearby swamp, which attracted some youths who took advantage of the incident and started scooping the fuel into jerry cans and other containers.
The spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, DSP Bright Edafe, in a statement, explained that “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 amongst the youths who had come to scoop the spilt fuel and also combusted several properties which include the following: the fallen tanker, eight buses of different makes, two tankers, five Trailers, two motorcycles, one Siena space bus, and one ‘C’ Class Mercedes Benz car.
“Due to the fire, the registration numbers of all these affected vehicles were not visible. At the event of this outburst, the scene was visited, and the bodies of the victims were evacuated to the Oghara General Hospital mortuary. In a bid to clear the road of obstructions efforts are being made by the men of Oghara Police Division, in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) at Ethiope West Local Government Area to ensure free flow of traffic.
“In light of this tragic incident, the Delta State Police Command, CP Wale Abass extends his condolence to the families of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate event.
“He further expressed his displeasure in the inexorable perversity of Nigerians, especially the youths. He stated that it is sad that we never learn from past occurrences, since this isn’t the first time such an incident has happened.
“Nonetheless, he appeals that Nigerians should do away with greed and avoid scenes where there is an occurrence of oil spillages as it poses a serious threat to their lives and the lives of others.”
