Panic erupted along the Benin-Lagos Expressway near Oluku in Benin City, Edo State, following a petrol tanker explosion that reportedly left several people feared dead and destroyed property.

The explosion occurred after a tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, reportedly fell and spilled its contents, attracting people who rushed to scoop the product before the tanker burst into flames.

An eyewitness said the incident triggered a fire that engulfed the vicinity, leaving several people reportedly burnt beyond recognition.

Shops and buildings in the area were also said to have been affected as residents and traders fled for safety. The casualty figure had yet to be officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.

Survivors who sustained varying degrees of injuries were rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), while a joint team of security personnel and firefighters continued emergency rescue operations.

Reacting to the tragedy, the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council expressed deep sorrow over the incident, commiserating with affected families and praying for the speedy recovery of injured victims.

In a statement issued by its Director of Media, John Mayaki, the council described the incident as heartbreaking and called for urgent support for survivors and families affected by the explosion.

“Our hearts go out to the families affected by this unfortunate tragedy. We share in their grief and pray that Almighty God grants them the strength to bear their losses,” Mayaki said.

He added, “No family deserves to lose a loved one in such painful circumstances. No parent should have to bury a child, and no child should have to lose a parent to a preventable tragedy. No struggling market woman deserves to lose her wares.”

The APC Campaign Council also commended the Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Professor Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu, for personally coordinating the hospital’s emergency response.

Mayaki praised the medical personnel and other emergency workers involved in treating victims, describing their efforts as deserving of public recognition.

“We commend Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu, Chief Medical Director of UBTH, for rising to the occasion and personally coordinating the emergency medical response to this unfortunate incident,” he said.

The council also criticised attempts to introduce political undertones into discussions surrounding the tragedy.

Mayaki cited a social media post attributed to a Benin-based lawyer, which reportedly read: “Fire outbreak at Oluku, Benin City. What a welcoming scene for the First Lady.”

Questioning the connection between the explosion and the visit of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Mayaki urged political actors to put compassion above partisan differences.

“What exactly is the connection between a tanker explosion and the First Lady’s visit? Is a fire outbreak now a welcome ceremony?” he queried.

He stressed that human suffering should not be politicised, irrespective of the political party governing the state or country.

“Our differences in politics should never deprive us of compassion. A tragedy is a tragedy, whether it happens under an APC, PDP or ADC administration,” Mayaki said.

He added that the priority should be to sympathise with victims, support affected families and appreciate those working to save lives.

“Elections will come and go. Political parties will disagree. But human lives are sacred and irreplaceable,” he said.

“The responsible thing at a time like this is to sympathise with the victims, appreciate those risking their lives to save others and encourage the relevant authorities to prevent a recurrence.”