An explosion at Oluku Market along the Benin-Lagos Expressway on Thursday have left 11 persons injured and property worth millions of naira destroyed after a fallen petrol tanker ignited.
The incident, which occurred in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, was confirmed by multiple reports.
Eyewitnesses said the tanker fell and spilled its content in the Oluku area, prompting residents to rush to the scene to scoop fuel.
The spilled fuel subsequently ignited, triggering a fire that spread rapidly to nearby shops, vehicles and traders’ goods.
Eleven victims who sustained varying degrees of burns were taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for treatment.
While casualty figures remained uncertain as of press time, reports indicated that additional victims may have been affected, with fears of fatalities yet to be officially confirmed.
The incident has again highlighted the deadly risks associated with fuel scooping from fallen tankers.
Authorities have advised residents to stay away from fallen tankers and allow emergency responders to secure accident scenes.
