Many Feared Dead as Petrol Tanker Explodes at Oluku Market in Edo

Several people have been feared dead and many others injured after a petrol tanker exploded along the Benin–Lagos Expressway near Oluku Market in Benin City, Edo State, destroying shops, vehicles and goods.

The incident occurred on Thursday, October 15, after the tanker reportedly overturned at about 7:30am, spilling petrol onto the road and nearby drainage channels. Residents subsequently gathered to scoop the fuel before the tanker burst into flames at about 1pm, according to eyewitness accounts reported by Nigerian media.

Reports on the casualty figures differed. Vanguard reported that four people were feared dead, including a soldier, while The Guardian reported that at least 15 people with burn injuries had been taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). PUNCH reported 11 injured, while Channels Television said the casualty figure had not been officially confirmed at the time of its report.

The fire spread rapidly into parts of Oluku Market, engulfing shops and vehicles and destroying goods reportedly worth millions of naira. Traders were seen mourning their losses as emergency responders worked to contain the blaze and assist victims.

An eyewitness told PUNCH that he had also been among those collecting the spilled petrol but escaped after a soldier warned him of the danger. He said the tanker caught fire shortly after the warning, forcing people nearby to flee.

The University of Benin Teaching Hospital activated its emergency response, with Chief Medical Director Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu coordinating teams in the accident and emergency department and burns unit to treat victims. Fire service personnel and other emergency responders were also deployed to the scene.

The explosion has renewed concerns over the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, a practice that has repeatedly resulted in deadly fires in Nigeria. Authorities have previously warned that spilled petroleum can ignite from sources of heat, sparks or static electricity, putting anyone nearby at risk.

As emergency operations continued, the full casualty figure and the extent of the damage remained unclear. Further updates from the relevant authorities are needed to establish the confirmed number of deaths and injuries.