Five feared dead, banks burnt in Delta tanker explosion

Five persons have been reportedly feared dead with many properties including banks, and vehicles burnt in a tanker explosion in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State.

It was gathered that the incident occurred along the ever-busy old Lagos-Asaba Road by the First Bank, right inside the Agbor Main Market on Sunday afternoon, leaving many dead, others injured, vehicles and houses burnt.

A said that the petrol tanker burst into flames burning many people on its path.

“The petrol tanker fell by the First Bank in Agbor when the driver tried to make a turn at the old Lagos/Asaba road.

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“Many people died but I don’t know the numbers. In the beginning, five persons were confirmed dead while several other people were injured, and houses including two banks and vehicles within the vicinity of the scene were burnt.

“We couldn’t see firefighters at the scenes which escalated the fire more. Some persons were rushed to hospital.”

Another eyewitness said that the tanker exploded when trying to turn at the traffic lights along the road and fell.

“When it fell, nobody got there let alone scooping fuel and it immediately burst into flame. Three persons were burnt beyond recognition.

“Vehicles, motorcycles, shops and other houses were burnt. It was later that the fire service men came and helped stop the fire.”

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Bright Edafe, told our correspondent that only two persons died in the fire.

He said, “Two deaths, First Bank, Access Bank, two other houses, two vehicles and shops were affected.”