From a new traffic report getting to us, many people were feared dead in a tanker explosion that happened last Sunday in the Oshigbudu community in the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
\
Lives and properties were lost in the recent tanker explosion in Benue State
From an eyewitness’s report, a fully-loaded tanker transporting petroleum products fell at the Osigbudu-Obagaji junction, where it ended pouring out its content. As a result, the spilled petroleum products spread to a filling station along the Oweto axis, where it later caught fire.
>>> See also: [Photos] Unknown gunmen destroy several cars in the Anambra community
The eyewitness identified as Sunday also revealed that the unfortunate event took place in the afternoon and destroyed many parts of the community. He also stated that many people were caught in the inferno, making it a bit difficult to ascertain the exact number of people that were killed by the explosion.
John Ikwulono, who happens to be the Vice Chairman of the local government, while confirming the incident, revealed that several lives might have been lost in the fire explosion from the tanker. He added that the tanker fell at the junction, where an explosion was caused from the fuel that gushed out from the tanker. Consequently, houses and the filling station around were burnt. According to him, people who found it difficult to escape were also caught up in the fire.
Watch the clip here:
Many Feared Dead In Benue Tanker Explosion
He further claimed that the situation got out of control due to the absence of fire service within the local government. The only available one is located in Otukpo, which is an hour drive from Oshigbudu. The chairman said the fire service was contacted, but turned down their request due to a broken vehicle.
As a result, the people had to use water and detergent to put out the fire manually. Unfortunately, the damage had already been done. He, however, called for the help of the National Emergency and Maintenance Agency and State Emergency prior to the recent tanker explosion.
Donald Ikyaaza, who happens to be the Director of the State Fire Service, when contacted on the fire incident, revealed that the scene of the incident is far from the state capital while disclosing that he didn’t get the report on time.
>>> Visit Naijauto every day to read the latest car-related News and updates
