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Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Petrol Tanker Explosion Kills Four In Agbor

  • Many Hospitalized
  • Banks, Cars, Several Properties Razed
  • Oborevwori Mourns, Orders Remedial Action

By ISAN ISIOMA/PAUL EGEDE

IT was a black Sunday in Agbor, headquarters of Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, when four persons were, yesterday confirmed dead and properties worth millions of naira, two banks and several vehicles destroyed following a petrol tanker explosion.

The fuel tanker, loaded with petroleum products was heading towards Agbor-Obi on the old Lagos/Asaba road, before the unfortunate incident occurred.

The tanker reportedly exploded and burst into flames in front of First Bank branch in Agbor, and the fire quickly spread to shops loaded with goods and properties along the Orogodo River, including several vehicles parked along the road.

According to an eyewitness, at least four bodies burnt beyond recognition were recovered while other victims were rushed to the Central Hospital at Agbor for urgent medical attention.  Two commercial banks Buildings-First Bank Plc and the newly completed branch of Access Bank, located in the area were also burnt.

Information gathered from the scene of the incident revealed that the explosion was due to a failed brake while the tanker was descending the hill.

It was also gathered that the tanker fell and tumbled, thereby causing it to explode, killing the driver, and two other occupants.

Another victim of the accident, a woman, was said to have rescued her children from her car near the  fire incident, but was said to have returned back  to her vehicle to  retrieve her cell phone when the tanker exploded and claimed her life.

The explosion caused heavy traffic hold up on the road, leaving many cars and passengers stranded.

Oborevwori Mourns, Directs Remedial Action

By Sunday Egede

Meanwhile, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended his heart-felt condolences to the families of victims of yesterday’s fire incident caused by a fallen diesel tanker in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of the state.

In commiserating with the Ika South Local Government and people of the area on the tragedy which resulted in the loss of lives and property, the Governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Festus Ahon, described the fire incident as horrifying and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured and fortitude to those bereaved in the unfortunate incident.

Governor Oborevwori directed the State Ministry of Health, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other relevant authorities to expedite action by providing the much-needed immediate support to all victims of the incident.

The Governor commended the Fire Service, the good people of Ika South Local Government and security agencies who rallied round to put out the inferno and their dedication to assisting those affected by the fire incident.

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