Another tragedy struck as an oil tanker explosion claimed at least eight lives and razed several houses in Ometan community, Okpe Local Government area of Delta State.
The incident occurred on Friday when the tanker, reportedly coming from Effurun, lost control while overtaking another truck near the boundary bridge between Uvwie and Okpe Local Government Area.
Eyewitnesses described the front part of the tanker detaching from the rear compartment, triggering a devastating explosion.
Buildings in the Ometan community were engulfed in flames, trapping and claiming the lives of some residents.
During the incident, some residents who were trapped in buildings also suffered fatal burns.
Following the tragedy, the State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who visited the scene with the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor and former Chairman of Okpe Local Government Area, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to the affected community and families of the victims.
“On getting here, I saw dead bodies and those who witnessed the unfortunate incident.
“It is a very sad situation and I commiserate with the people of Ometan community and families of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident”, he said.
This disaster comes shortly after a gas tanker explosion in Rivers State that also resulted in multiple fatalities and extensive property damage.
