CurrentReport Blog In a devastating turn of events, a petroleum tanker explosion rocked the Ometan-Okpe community along the bustling Effurun-Sapele Road in Okpe local government area of Delta state. The tragedy, which unfolded on Friday, claimed the lives of eight individuals, including a breastfeeding mother and her three-month-old baby.
According to reports from a Leadership correspondent who visited the scene, the mother heroically attempted to rescue her infant from the inferno but tragically succumbed to the flames. Among the casualties were also a 16-year-old secondary schoolgirl and her mother, who were trapped in their residence.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and horrific, attributing the incident to the tanker driver’s alleged overspeeding. The fuel-laden tanker reportedly suffered a mechanical fault, leading to the catastrophic explosion that engulfed residential buildings, an oil and gas company complex, and several vehicles.
The community is left reeling from the devastation, with sympathizers mourning the loss of lives and property. Calls for government intervention to support affected property owners and families echo throughout the grieving community.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, accompanied by key officials, including the Speaker of the State House of Assembly and former Chairman of Okpe local government council, visited the scene to express condolences and solidarity with the affected community. Governor Oborevwori termed the incident as a “very sad situation” and pledged support to those impacted by the tragedy.
