- It’s gathered that the victims were scooping fuel from a fallen petrol tanker that spilled its contents after the driver lost control of the truck.
- The explosion occurred after a spark ignited fire from a phone of one of the persons scooping fuel that spilled from the tank.
At least twenty people have reportedly lost their lives after a fuel laden tanker exploded at Ore, in Odigbo local government area of Ondo state.
Among the victims are a pregnant woman and three children.
The incident, it was gathered, happened along Showboy road, opposite Optima filling station in Ore, Sunday evening.
It’s gathered that the victims were scooping fuel from a fallen petrol tanker that spilled its contents after the driver lost control of the truck.
The explosion occurred after a spark ignited fire from a phone of one of the persons scooping fuel that spilled from the tank.
An eye witness account said that they were inside the church when the tanker fell and spilled its contents on the road.
The source who identified himself as Cyriacus said many persons rushed to scoop fuel from the tanker despite being warned by the pastor in the church.
“We were inside the church when we heard that tanker fell.
” The rain was also falling. People were taking fuel when fire started after a spark from a phone.
“Three children died and we have counted over 15 bodies. A pregnant woman that wanted to buy the fuel also died. The money is still with her.” The Vanguard quoted the source as saying.
The state Police Public Relations Officer Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident and described the victims as fuel scoopers.
Odunlami said that ” They were scooping fuel from a tanker when the fire started . We have commenced investigation into the matter,”