Many persons have been feared dead following a tanker explosion on Benin-Lagos Expressway, near Oluku, Benin City, Edo State.

Though the number of deaths could not be ascertained as the fire was still razing as at when filing this report, no fewer than 15 burnt persons comprising pregnant women, a military officer who was attempting to rescue victims, have been rushed to the emergency unit of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.

The tanker was said to have fallen at about 7:45am, which led to residents scooping fuel which later exploded at about 1pm. Some persons attributed the explosion to a hot sun which started around 10am.

A source who craved anonymity said some deaths victims have been rushed to the UBTH mogue, adding that he cannot ascertain the number.

Also narrating, another eyewitness who does not want her name mentioned, said soon as the fire began due to scooping of the fuel, stores with the market were also affected as well as vehicles who drove against traffic.

The source narrated: “I was also among those who were scooping the fuel. I escaped by whiskers. It was a soldier who called me and drew my attention to the fact that it was sunny and way the people rushed to scoop the fuel might ignite fire.

“As I looked back after he spoke to me, the tanker busted into flames as people around the area ran for dear lives. I thank the soldier, if not I would have been burnt by now.

“Two men from the Northern part of who were directly under the tanker were burnt while stores that were built on the drainage were burnt. Store were also burnt down as we are yet to know the number of people that died.

As at when filing this report, the management of UBTH were working hard to revive those rushed to the hospital.

The Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, took charge of the emergency effort, leading the response team across the accident, emergency, and burns units to stabilize severe casualties and minimize fatalities.

Men of the Edo State Fire Service were also at the scene of the incident to extinguish the fire.

Police Public Relations Officer, Edo State Command, Eno Ikoedem promised to get back to our correspondent but was yet to do so, while Commander of Federal Road Safety Corp, Edo Command did not pick calls.