Posted by The number of verified casualties from an oil tanker fire in Ometan village, Okpe local government area, Delta State, stands at eight.
The tragic event happened on Friday, according to 460PLAY reporting, when the tanker from Effurun allegedly lost control while passing another vehicle only meters from the boundary bridge between Uvwie and Okpe Local Government Areas.
Eyewitnesses said the oil tanker exploded when the front section abruptly separated from the back compartment while in motion.
At the accident scene, every single building in the village was leveled.
There were additional fatalities among the trapped people due to the building’s fires.
After paying his condolences to the Ometan community and the relatives of the dead, Sheriff Oborevwori, the state governor, paid a visit to the area.
Officials from the House of Assembly and the previous chairman of the Okpe local government area were present when the governor spoke at the spot. The governor claimed to have been absent when the incident happened.
When I arrived, I saw bodies and others who had seen the tragedy.
“I offer my deepest sympathies to the people of the Ometan community and their families for the tragic loss of life,” he stated.
According to the 460PLAY, this news comes only four days after a gas truck explosion in Rivers State caused the deaths of several people and the destruction of property.