Fatal tanker explosion in Ondo claims eight lives
Tragedy struck on the Ore-Benin Expressway on Sunday evening when a petrol-laden tanker overturned, resulting in a spillage of its contents.
Tragically, eight individuals lost their lives after being engulfed in flames while attempting to scoop fuel from the scene.
Ezekiel Son-Allah, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ondo State, confirmed the devastating incident in a statement on Monday.
According to him, the white fuel tanker, which had no visible registration number, lost control due to overspeeding, leading to the unfortunate accident.
Shortly after the tanker’s mishap, residents from a nearby village rushed to the site and began scooping the spilled fuel, unaware of the impending danger.
The situation took a deadly turn when the fuel ignited, causing an explosive inferno that claimed the lives of eight individuals who were caught in the act of scooping fuel.
Thankfully, the tanker driver and motor boy managed to escape from the scene unharmed.
Following the tragic incident, the FRSC rescue team promptly responded, recovering the charred remains of the victims. The deceased have been transported and deposited at the morgue of the General Hospital in Ore.