Many Feared Dead As Fallen Fuel Tanker Explodes While Residents Scoop Fuel In Edo [VIDEOS]

Tragedy struck along the busy Benin-Lagos Expressway near Oluku, Benin City, Edo State, as a fallen petrol tanker exploded into massive flames, leaving many feared dead and several others critically injured.

The tanker reportedly overturned at approximately 7:45 am, prompting nearby residents to rush to the scene to scoop spilled fuel before the hazardous contents ignited into a firestorm around 1:00 pm.

While official casualty figures remain unconfirmed due to ongoing rescue and firefighting efforts, no fewer than 15 severely burned individuals—including pregnant women and a military officer who attempted to rescue victims—were rushed to the emergency unit of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

According to an anonymous source at the scene, fatalities have already been recorded and deposited at the UBTH mortuary, though exact numbers are still being compiled.

An eyewitness who narrowly escaped the inferno recounted the chaotic sequence of events, explaining that the blaze quickly engulfed nearby commercial stalls and trapped motorists driving against traffic.

Reliving her narrow escape, the witness stated, 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.

She added, 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.

Describing the extent of the destruction, the survivor noted, 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.

Hospital management and emergency teams at UBTH are actively working to stabilize severe casualties, with Chief Medical Director Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu personally coordinating emergency medical care across the accident, trauma, and burns units.

Operatives of the Edo State Fire Service responded to the location to contain the blaze, while local police and road safety authorities have yet to issue official statements regarding the incident.

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