A tragic occurrence involving an oil tanker in Ometan community, Okpe local government area, Delta State, resulted in the confirmed deaths of at least eight individuals.
Effurun-bound tanker allegedly lost control while passing another vehicle on Friday, only metres from the boundary bridge separating Uvwie and Okpe Local Government Areas, according to divinejams’s reporting.
Eyewitnesses said the oil tanker exploded after the front section suddenly separated from the back compartment while in motion.
The accident scene was accompanied by the demolishment of all communal buildings.
Others who had become trapped in the structure perished in the fires as well.
Sheriff Oborevwori, the governor of the state, paid a visit to the site and expressed his condolences to the people of Ometan and their families.
He was away when the tragedy happened, according to the governor, who was speaking at the scene with the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, and the previous chairman of Okpe local government area.
“Upon arrival, I observed lifeless bodies and individuals who had witnessed the tragic event.
“I sympathize with the people of the Ometan community and the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident. It is a very sad situation,” he stated.
According to the divinejams, this news comes just four days after a gas truck explosion in Rivers State caused the deaths of several people and the destruction of property.