A petrol tanker explosion in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, has left about five people feared dead and caused significant destruction to properties.
The tragic incident occurred on Sunday along the Old Asaba-Lagos Road.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer for Delta State, Bright Edafe, the explosion engulfed several structures, including First Bank, Access Bank, four residential buildings, an Anglican Church, and two vehicles.
The tanker, laden with petrol, reportedly lost control, fell, and burst into flames. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as residents fled for safety while the fire spread rapidly, consuming everything in its path.
Emergency responders are expected to commence rescue operations, but details of the exact number of casualties remain unclear at this time.
A witness said, “We were told that petrol tanker fell by the First Bank in Agbor when the driver tried to make a turn at the old Lagos/Asaba road. As I ran to the scene to find out, it was devastating.”
Tanker explosions are a recurring tragedy in Nigeria, often exacerbated by the economic struggles of the populace. Fuel scarcity and surging petrol prices have made fuel a precious commodity.
In recent months, Nigeria has seen a spike in such incidents. In October 2024, over 170 people died in a fuel tanker explosion in Jigawa State. Similarly, in September, 59 people perished in Niger State when a fuel tanker collided with a truck carrying passengers and cattle
