BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
As Nigeria celebrates the 63rd anniversary of its nationhood, Scores have been confirmed roasted beyond possible recognition and several vehicles razed when a gasoline-filled tanker overturned and exploded at Ugbenu Koko junction of the Warri-Benin Expressway in Delta state.
The unfortunate incident which replicated that of 22nd July 2020 at the same spot, occurred about 2am October 1, few hours into Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Anniversary.
No fewer than 20 persons were reported killed in the 2020 similar incident.
It could not be ascertained at press time whether the ill-fated truck was avoiding a ditch when it fell spilling its content in nearby swamp, today.
The death toll is expected to rise as many sustained varying degrees of injuries.
A video of the incident trending on social media revealed three roasted corpses, many vehicles including tankers, commercial buses, cars in piles of smoldering ash, twisted metal and melting tires.
Contacted, the Public Relations Officer for Delta State Police Command, DSP Edafe Bright said five persons lost their lives as several vehicles got razed in the incident.
DSP Edafe said the spillage of petrol that ensued attracted youths who took advantage of the incident and started scooping petrol into Jerry cans and other containers.
“While they were at it, an explosion erupted and the fire from the explosion engulfed the whole area. The fire claimed the lives of five persons amongst the youths who had come to scoop the spilled fuel, and also combusted several properties which includes the following: the fallen tanker, Eight buses of different makes, Two Tankers, Five Trailers, Two Motorcycles, One Siena space bus, and one ‘C’ Class Mercedes Benz car. Due to the fire, the registration numbers of all these affected vehicles were not clearly visible.
“At the event of this outburst, the scene was visited, and bodies of the victims were evacuated to Oghara General Hospital’s mortuary. In a bid to clear the road of obstructions efforts are being made by the men of Oghara Police Division, in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Commission {FRSC} at Ethiope West LGA to ensure the free flow of traffic”, DSP Edafe stated.
He expressed the Delta State Commissioner of Police CP Wale Abass’s condolences to families of the victims just as he appreciated the Federal Road Safety Corps for synergizing with the police.
“In the light of this tragic incident, the Delta State Police Command, CP Wale Abass extends his condolence to the families of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate event.
“He further expressed his displeasure in the inexorable perversity of Nigerians, especially the youths. He stated that it is sad that we never learn from past occurences, since this isn’t the first time such incident has happened.
“The CP also appreciates the Federal Road safety for working hand in hand with the Command in assuring convenience to all road users in Delta state”, he noted.
