A petrol tanker explosion at Oluku Market along the Benin-Lagos Road in Edo State has left eight people with varying degrees of burns, destroyed goods and vehicles, and caused extensive damage to the market and surrounding areas.
The incident occurred on Thursday after a petrol tanker fell near the busy market. The situation later escalated when the tanker caught fire and exploded while efforts were underway to transfer its petroleum products into another truck.
The Edo State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying security personnel were deployed to the scene to maintain law and order and protect residents and traders.
According to a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, the team deployed included the Divisional Police Officer of Ekiadolor Division, the Ekiadolor Area Commander, and the Deputy Commissioners of Police in charge of Operations and Investigation.
The police said measures were taken to prevent residents and other individuals from scooping fuel from the fallen tanker, while the emergency response team of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) was mobilised to transfer the product into another truck. However, the operation was disrupted when the tanker burst into flames.
“Unfortunately, at about 11:50 hrs, a fire ignited and engulfed the truck, resulting in damage to parts of the market,” the statement said.
The inferno reportedly spread through sections of Oluku Market and its environs, destroying traders’ goods and vehicles parked along the road.
The eight victims who sustained burn injuries were evacuated to the Emergency Ward of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), where they are currently receiving medical attention.
The incident left many traders devastated as the fire consumed their merchandise, with several seen wailing over the loss of their goods and means of livelihood.
The Chairman of Ovia North East Local Government Area, Orobosa Eriamiatoe, and the Aiyobahan of Benin, Chief Osamede, visited the scene to assess the extent of the damage and sympathise with affected traders and residents.
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