Seven people lost their lives when a petrol-laden tanker detached and exploded on motion on the Warri-Sapele expressway, at Ometan community, Okpe Local Government Area, Delta State.
The trailer dismembered on the road after the tank body separated from the truck head, and the impact of the crash triggered a massive fire.
The horrible incident occurred at about 10 a.m. on Friday.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, who was returning from project inspection in the creeks when he got the news, commiserated with the community on the death of seven indigenes of the community in a tanker fire explosion.
According to eye witnesses, “The fire accident occurred around 10 a.m. when the tanker laden with fuel fell on the road after the tanker head detached while in motion in Ometan community along the Warri-Sapele Road on Friday.”
Governor Oborevwori, who headed straight to the accident scene, flanked by Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and former Chairman of Okpe Local Government Council, Hon. Isaiah Esiovwa, empathised with the community on the unfortunate incident.
“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, and I received a message from the Head of Personnel Management of Okpe Local Government Area, 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 explosion.
“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.” (Vanguard)