Terrifying Tanker Explosion Shakes Delta State, Pregnant Women and Children Among Tragic Victims!
In a devastating incident that occurred on Sunday morning, a tanker explosion at the Koko junction near the Ologbo bridge along the Warri-Benin Highway in the Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State resulted in the loss of lives. Eyewitness reports claim that a pregnant woman, children, and elderly individuals were among the victims.
According to an anonymous eyewitness, the tanker toppled over and spilled its contents onto the road. Despite being warned by drivers and security personnel who rushed to the scene after learning of the accident, some individuals disregarded the dangers and attempted to scoop fuel. The eyewitness expressed their frustration, stating that their attempts to prevent the people from endangering themselves were met with threats of physical violence, as the individuals claimed it was their community. Tragically, at approximately 12:15 am, the tanker exploded, causing everyone at the scene to flee in panic.
The eyewitness further stated, “You can see dead bodies on the ground, some of them ran into the forest. As I speak, some dead bodies have been removed, I counted over 20 bodies.” The loss of lives is truly heart-wrenching and calls for immediate action to prevent such mishaps in the future.
Udeme Bassey Eshiet, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Delta State Command, provided an official statement on the incident. He confirmed that fifteen individuals were involved in the accident, with eight losing their lives and seven sustaining various degrees of injuries. Eshiet described the victims who perished as being burnt beyond recognition. The accident, which involved fifteen vehicles, all of which were commercial, including eight tankers, occurred at 1 am.
Fuel explosion has been determined as the cause of the fatal crash, as stated by the Sector Commander. The FRSC and the Nigeria Police Force have cordoned off the scene as investigations continue. It is crucial that authorities thoroughly examine the circumstances leading up to this tragedy to hold all responsible parties accountable and prevent a recurrence in the future.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with fuel-related accidents. It is a solemn call to action for local authorities and relevant stakeholders to prioritize road safety education, strict enforcement of regulations, and robust emergency response systems. The loss of innocent lives is a stark reminder that collective efforts are needed to ensure the safety and well-being of communities.
