Death Toll in Delta Oil Tanker Explosion Rises to Eight

The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has said eight people died in the explosion that resulted from an oil tanker that spilled its content after collapsing on the Warri-Benin Highway.

In a statement, NEMA said “on Sunday, October 1, at approximately 1am, a tanker carrying fuel overturned and spilled its contents at the Koko junction near the Ologbo bridge along the Warri-Benin Highway, located in the Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.

“The incident initially went unnoticed, with people becoming aware of it several hours later.”

The agency said upon discovery, some individuals rushed to the scene to collect the spilled fuel, which ultimately led to a devastating explosion.

While Concise News reported five deaths as confirmed by the Spokesman for the Delta State Police Command, DSP Bright Edafe, NEMA reported eight.

“Tragically, eight individuals lost their lives in the explosion, while seven others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” NEMA said in its statement.

The agency said the explosion also resulted in the destruction of 15 commercial vehicles, including eight tankers.

“Injured individuals were promptly transported to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital for medical treatment, while efforts are underway to move the deceased to the mortuary,” the statement concluded.