By Nkasi Paul Okolie Oji
Over 20 people were feard killed in the early hours of Sunday when there was a fire outbreak that erupted when a tanker laden with PMS enroute Benin along Warri – Benin Road fell down upon getting to Ugbenu Koko Junction.
The content of the tanker spilled into the nearby swamp, and the spillage attracted couple of youths who took advantage of the incident and started scooping the fuel into jerry cans and other containers.
However, the police confirmed only five casualties.
According to Delta State Police Publlic Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Bright Edafe, While they were scooping fuel , an explosion erupted and the fire 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 include 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 effect of the fire on the vehicles ,their registration numbers 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 colloboration with the Federal Road Safety Commission {FRSC} at Ethiope West LGA to ensure the free flow of traffic.
“In the light of this tragic incident, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass, extends his condolence to the families of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate event. He further expressed 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. Nonetheless, he appeals that Nigerians should do away with greed and avoid scenes where there is an occurence of oil spillages as it pose a serious threat to their lives and the lives of others.
“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”.
