Tragedy struck in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, on Sunday afternoon when a petrol tanker exploded along the busy Old Lagos-Asaba Road. The incident reportedly left five people feared dead, while multiple properties, including two banks, vehicles, and houses, were destroyed by the ensuing fire.
The tanker reportedly overturned and burst into flames near the First Bank branch located in the Agbor Central area. Witnesses said the driver lost control while attempting a turn, igniting a massive fire that spread rapidly.
A local source described the scene as catastrophic. “The petrol tanker fell by First Bank in Agbor when the driver tried to make a turn at the Old Lagos-Asaba road. Many people died, though the exact number is uncertain. Initially, five deaths were reported, while several others sustained injuries,” the source said.
The blaze engulfed nearby structures, including First Bank, Access Bank, two houses, and vehicles within the vicinity. Victims caught in the flames were rushed to the hospital, though the lack of an immediate firefighting response reportedly worsened the situation.
“We couldn’t see firefighters at the scene, which escalated the fire further,” another witness recounted.
The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the incident but reported a lower death toll. Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe stated, “Two deaths were recorded. First Bank, Access Bank, two houses, and two vehicles were affected by the fire.”
The explosion has left the Agbor community in shock and mourning. Efforts to determine the exact cause of the accident and assess the full extent of the damage are ongoing.
This incident highlights the persistent dangers posed by tanker accidents along busy roads in Nigeria, underscoring the urgent need for stricter safety regulations, emergency response preparedness, and better road management to prevent similar tragedies.
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