By Owen Eresoyen, Benin
Several people have been feared killed following a petroleum tanker explosion at Oluku Market in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday evening.
The incident occurred after a fuel tanker reportedly overturned near the market buildings, spilling petroleum that attracted residents who rushed to the scene with jerry cans and other containers to scoop fuel.
It was gathered that a fire broke out hours after the spill, spreading rapidly through the market structures and destroying goods and property.
Although the exact cause of the fire and the number of casualties had yet to be officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report, credible sources said several people were feared dead, while others sustained severe burns and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Edo State, Beford Preye Ezekiel, said the command could not confirm the exact number of casualties at the time of filing this report.
He, however, disclosed that some of the victims had been transferred to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for further treatment.
Meanwhile, the management of UBTH has activated emergency response services following the tanker explosion, with medical personnel mobilised to attend to the victims.
The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, was seen personally coordinating the response team at the accident and emergency and burns units to ensure that victims received urgent medical attention.
An eyewitness and resident of Oluku Community told this reporter that the inferno destroyed several goods and properties worth millions of naira.
As of the time of filing this report, the full extent of the damage and the exact number of casualties had yet to be officially established.
