A petrol tanker explosion at Oluku Market in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State has left several people feared dead and many others with severe burns, after residents ignored warnings and rushed to scoop spilled fuel. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed at least 11 casualties, though the full death toll remained uncertain as of Friday, October 16.
Residents Scoop Fuel Before Deadly Blast
The incident occurred on Thursday, October 15, along the Benin-Lagos Expressway, when a petrol tanker reportedly fell and spilled its contents in the early hours of the day. Eyewitnesses said the explosion happened after noon, as crowds of traders, residents, and passersby gathered to collect the fuel despite the obvious danger.
One eyewitness, who admitted participating in the activity, said a soldier warned him that the sunny weather and the crowd around the tanker could trigger a fire. The eyewitness explained that he turned around after the warning, only for the tanker to burst into flames moments later. He said two men who were directly beneath the tanker suffered severe burns, while shops built around drainage channels were also destroyed.
Explosion Engulfs Market, Destroying Property
The fire spread rapidly through nearby shops, vehicles, and market stalls, destroying goods and property worth millions of naira. Videos circulating on social media showed the severity of the victims' injuries. One clip captured a severely burnt victim being transported to the hospital in a wheelbarrow, while other footage showed victims with extensive burns as people rushed to get medical attention.
The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) received injured victims, with its Chief Medical Director, Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu, leading emergency response efforts across the accident and emergency and burns units. However, some victims reportedly died after they were taken to the hospital, while other reports claimed that some bodies had been moved to the mortuary.
Official Response and Casualty Figures
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), police, and fire service personnel were involved in the emergency response. FRSC's Edo State Sector Commander, Preye Ezekiel Bedford, said the command had recorded 11 casualties but could not confirm reports of fatalities. Other reports said five people were feared dead.
As of Friday, October 16, the full casualty figure remained uncertain, with some reports indicating that victims died on the spot and others after they were taken to hospital.
Renewed Warnings on Fuel Scooping Dangers
The tragedy has renewed concerns over the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, a practice that can turn a road accident into a deadly disaster. The incident underscores the need for public awareness and stricter safety measures to prevent such avoidable loss of life and property in the future.
