Tragedy struck the Ometan community in Okpe local government area of Delta State as an oil tanker inferno claimed the lives of at least eight individuals.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, stemmed from the tanker’s loss of control while overtaking another vehicle near the boundary bridge between Uvwie and Okpe. Eyewitnesses recounted the horrifying moment when the tanker’s front section detached, triggering a devastating explosion that engulfed nearby structures.
“The front part of the oil tanker suddenly detached from the rear compartment while on motion, leading to an explosion,” one witness revealed.
The aftermath left a trail of destruction, with buildings within the vicinity reduced to ashes and several residents trapped and consumed by the flames.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside Speaker Emomotimi Guwor and former Okpe local government chairman, offered condolences to the grieving community.
“It is a very sad situation, and I commiserate with the people of Ometan community and families of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident,” Governor Oborevwori expressed solemnly.
This tragedy follows closely on the heels of another tanker disaster in Rivers State, where a gas explosion claimed numerous lives and caused extensive property damage just four days prior.