Four feared dead, property destroyed as petrol tanker explodes in Delta

Oborevwori mourns victims

About four people were reported dead, and several properties, including two banks destroyed yesterday when a 33,000-litre tanker laden with petrol burst into flames in Agbor, Ika South Council of Delta State.

Eyewitnesses told The Guardian that the tanker driver was trying to make a turn on the busy Old Lagos/Asaba Road in Agbor main town, close to First Bank, on Sunday afternoon when the truck fell and exploded.

According to them, they were helpless in putting out the fire as firefighters were yet to arrive at the scene, paving the way for the fierce raging fire to gut several houses and vehicles around the area.

“We were told that the petrol tanker fell by the First Bank in Agbor when the driver tried to make a turn at the old Lagos/Asaba Road. As I ran to the scene to find out, it was devastating.

“ Four people have been confirmed dead while properties, including two banks, were still burning,” an eyewitness recounted.

The witness further lamented the absence of emergency response teams. “We are yet to see firefighters at the scene, the fire is still burning as I speak to you now.”

Meanwhile, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori extended his heart-felt condolences to the families of victims of fire incident.

The diesel tanker reportedly suffered a brake failure, and fell at a traffic light junction and exploded into a ball of fire which burnt four persons to death.

Three other persons suffered various degrees of injury in the resultant inferno.

Commiserating with the Ika South Local Council and residents of the area on the tragedy, the Governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, described the fire incident as horrifying and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured and fortitude to those bereaved in the unfortunate incident.

Governor Oborevwori directed the State Ministry of Health, the State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant authorities to expedite action by providing the much-needed immediate support to all victims of the incident.

He commended the Fire Service, the good people of Ika South Local Council and security agencies who rallied round to put out the inferno and their dedication to assisting those affected by the fire incident.