Deadly Benin Tanker Explosion Razes Market

TRAGEDY IN BENIN: Many Feared Dead, Market Razed as Petrol Tanker Explodes While Residents Scoop Fuel

BENIN CITY, NIGERIA — A horrific tragedy unfolded in Edo State on Thursday after a petroleum tanker exploded near Oluku Market along the busy Benin-Lagos Expressway, leaving many feared dead and several others fighting for their lives with severe burn injuries. The disaster occurred after locals and passersby swarmed the scene to scoop spilled fuel from an overturned truck.

The Incident and Cause

According to eyewitnesses and local emergency reports, a fully loaded petrol tanker lost control, overturned, and spilled its highly inflammable contents across the road and drainage channels near the Oluku area.

Rather than fleeing the hazardous scene, scores of residents, commercial motorcyclists (okada riders), and traders rushed toward the crash site. Armed with plastic kegs, buckets, and jerrycans, they began scooping the leaking fuel. While the scooping was ongoing, the tanker suddenly ignited, sparking a massive fireball that instantly trapped dozens of people in the inferno.

Casualties and Injuries

The scale of human casualty is reported to be catastrophic.

• Fatalities: Multiple people are feared dead, with several victims reportedly burnt beyond recognition at the scene.

• Injuries: At least 10 severely injured individuals were rescued from the flames and rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for emergency medical treatment.

• Mortuary: The bodies of those who lost their lives have been evacuated and deposited at the UBTH mortuary as emergency officials continue to assess the site.

Extensive Property Damage

The explosion quickly escalated into a widespread fire, fueled by the flowing premium motor spirit (PMS). The inferno razed large sections of the nearby Oluku Market, destroying numerous shops and millions of naira worth of goods. In addition to the market stalls, several vehicles caught in the gridlock or parked nearby were completely incinerated.

Outpouring of Grief and Warnings

Footage and images shared across social media platforms captured heartbreaking scenes of thick black smoke billowing into the sky and charred remains of vehicles and property.

Local authorities and emergency management agencies have repeatedly warned the public against the highly dangerous practice of scooping fuel at accident scenes. This latest incident adds to a grim timeline of similar tanker tragedies across Nigeria, where economic hardships often drive residents to risk their lives for spilled petroleum products.

Emergency responders, including the fire service and road safety officials, remain on the ground to manage the aftermath, clear the expressway, and search for any remaining victims.

Would you like me to look for official statements from the Edo State Government or updates on the medical status of the survivors at UBTH?

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