At least eight individuals have tragically lost their lives in a fire tragedy involving an oil tanker in the Ometan community, situated within the Okpe local government area of Delta State.
Reports indicate that the incident occurred on Friday when the tanker, en route from Effurun, purportedly lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle just a short distance from the boundary bridge between Uvwie and Okpe Local Government Area.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the front section of the tanker suddenly separated from the rear compartment while in motion, resulting in a devastating explosion.
The blaze engulfed all structures within the vicinity of the accident.
Regrettably, some residents who were unable to escape the flames lost their lives.
State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori visited the site to offer his condolences to the Ometan community and the families affected by the tragedy.
Addressing the situation, Governor Oborevwori, joined by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, and the former chairman of the Okpe local government area, expressed his absence at the time of the incident.
“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 the Ometan community and families of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident”, he said.
It was reported that the development is coming barely four days after a gas tanker explosion killed many residents in Rivers State and destroyed properties.
