Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed his condolences to the Ometan community in Okpe Local Government Area over the loss of seven lives in a tanker fire accident on Friday.
According to The PUNCH, the incident occurred when a fuel-laden tanker detached and fell on the road, causing a massive fire that engulfed several buildings, vehicles, and pedestrians.
Speaking at the scene of the accident, Governor Oborevwori, accompanied by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, and former Chairman of Okpe Local Government Council, Isaiah Esiovwa, commiserated with the community and families of the victims.
He described the incident as “a very sad situation” and promised to provide support to those affected.
He said, “I was just coming from the creeks where I went to inspect projects and there was no network so immediately I arrived at the Navy jetty, I received a message from the Head of Personnel Management of Okpe Local Government Council informing me of the sad incident.
“On getting here I saw dead bodies and those who witnessed the unfortunate incident said the tanker had an accident and exploded which led to the fire.
“It is a very sad situation and I commiserate with the people of the Ometan community and families of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident.”
Eyewitnesses reported that the victims were burnt beyond recognition, while several others sustained injuries and were hospitalized.
The fire also destroyed several buildings, including residential homes, makeshift caravans, vehicles, and heavy-duty trucks.
Witnesses recounted harrowing stories of the incident, including a mother who was trapped in the fire while trying to rescue her three-year-old child, and a secondary school boy who had just returned from school only to meet his untimely death in the disaster.
The governor’s visit to the scene was aimed at assessing the damage and offering support to the affected community.
He urged residents to remain calm and assured them that the government would do everything possible to prevent such incidents in the future.
