At least four people, including a soldier, are feared dead following a petrol tanker explosion along the Benin–Lagos Expressway near Oluku, in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The explosion, which occurred on Thursday, reportedly engulfed several vehicles, shops and parts of the popular Oluku Market, causing extensive damage to property and leaving several people with severe burns.
It was reported that the tanker fell at about 7:30 a.m., spilling petrol and attracting residents who gathered to scoop the product.
The tanker reportedly burst into flames around 1 p.m., spreading the fire to nearby businesses and vehicles.
At least 10 people who sustained severe burns were reportedly taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for emergency treatment. The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu, was reported to have coordinated the medical response.
Edo State Fire Service were also deployed to the scene to battle the inferno. The final casualty figure and full extent of the destruction had yet to be officially confirmed in the reports available at the time of filing.
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