BREAKING: Tragic Thursday In Benin As Many Feared Dead In Oluku Tanker Inferno

by Idahosa Musa

It was a tragic Thursday in Benin City, the Edo State Capital, as many people were feared dead after a fuel tanker reportedly fell and burst into flames in the Oluku area, Ovia North East Local Government Area, leaving several people dead and others severely burnt.

Eyewitness accounts indicated that the tanker, which was loaded with fuel, fell in the area, prompting some residents to rush to the scene to scoop fuel from the fallen vehicle.

However, the situation reportedly took a tragic turn when the tanker suddenly went up in flames, engulfing people around the scene in a raging inferno.

A video circulating on social media showed what appeared to be several people who had suffered severe burns, underscoring the horrific nature of the incident.

As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of casualties had yet to be confirmed, while details of the circumstances that led to the tanker catching fire remained unclear.

The incident has renewed concerns over the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, a practice that has resulted in deadly fires and explosions in different parts of Nigeria.

Further details, including the casualty figure, the extent of property damage and the response of emergency agencies, were being awaited as at the time of this report.