Delta State in Mourning: Petrol Tanker Blast Results in Four Fatalities

Tragic Delta Petrol Tanker Explosion Claims Four Lives: What You Need to Know

A tragic incident occurred on Sunday, January 5, 2025, in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, where a petrol tanker explosion resulted in multiple fatalities and significant property damage.

Casualties and Damage:

• Fatalities: Reports on the number of deaths vary. Channels Television reported at least five fatalities, while The Guardian mentioned about four deaths. The Punch indicated that five persons were feared dead and Vanguard reported two deaths.
• Injuries: Several individuals sustained injuries of varying degrees.
• Property Damage: The explosion led to the destruction of properties, including two banks (First Bank and Access Bank), vehicles, shops, and houses in the vicinity.

Incident Details:

The explosion occurred when a 33,000-litre petrol tanker lost control and overturned near a traffic light junction along the Old Lagos-Asaba Road, close to First Bank within the Agbor Main Market. The tanker immediately burst into flames, causing extensive damage to the surrounding area.

Emergency Response:

Eyewitnesses reported a delayed response from emergency services, which may have contributed to the extent of the damage. Firefighters eventually arrived to contain the blaze. Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, expressed condolences to the victims’ families and directed state agencies to provide immediate support to those affected.

Safety Advisory:

This incident underscores the importance of adhering to safety regulations, especially concerning the transportation of hazardous materials. Authorities are urged to enforce stricter safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

For a visual report on the incident, you may watch the following news coverage: