A tanker explosion and fire has killed eight people, including a breastfeeding mother and her three-month-old baby.
The incident occurred at Ometan-Okpe community along the ever-busy Effurun-Sapele Road in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State on Friday.
The incident reportedly happened about 10 am when a tanker conveying petrol was said to have developed a mechanical fault and detached its head – leaving the trailer without control at the busy Ometan-Okpe junction.
The petrol-laden tanker subsequently caught fire and exploded – razing buildings and other installations in the area.
It was gathered that the breastfeeding mother died in the fire while trying to rescue her three-month-old baby trapped in one of the affected buildings. A 16-year-old schoolgirl and her mother were among the deceased.
At about 5:30 pm, the remains of the victims were still at the scene.
Some witnesses blamed the incident on the tanker driver who they accused of overspeeding and called on the Delta State Government to come to the rescue of property owners who lost their houses and other means of livelihood to the unfortunate incident.
A total of seven residential buildings, an oil and gas company complex and chains of makeshift buildings were razed by the fire and explosion. Also destroyed were three vehicles, including a heavy duty truck.
Meanwhile, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has visited the scene of the accident and commiserated with the people of Ometan-Okpe community over the unfortunate incident.
Speaking at the accident scene, Governor Oborevwori flanked by Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor and former Chairman of Okpe Local Government Council, Hon. Isaiah Esiovwa, condoled with families of the victims.
“I was just coming from the creeks where I went to inspect projects and there was no network so immediately I arrived the Navy jetty, I received a message from the Head of Personnel Management of Okpe Local Government Council informing me of the sad incident.
“On getting here I saw dead bodies and those who witnessed the unfortunate incident, said the tanker had an accident and exploded which led to the fire and explosion.
“It is a very sad situation and I commiserate with the people of Ometan-Okpe community and families of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident.”
(With Materials from Niger Delta Today)