18 persons including a pregnant woman and children have died in a tanker explosion at Ore, the headquarters of Odigbo local government area of Ondo State.The incident occurred on Sunday night.
LEADERSHIP gathered that those affected by the explosion were scooping fuel from the tanker that fell and spilled its contents when driver of the tanker lost control.
The incident which occurred along Showboy Road, opposite Optima filling station in Ore, was ignited by a spark from a phone of one the persons scooping the fuel from the tanker.
A source who told LEADERSHIP that they were inside the church when the tanker fell and spilled its contents on the road, said many persons who rushed to the scene to scoop fuel from the tanker were warned by the pastor of the church.
The source said, “We were inside the church when we heard that a tanker fell. The rain was also falling. People were taking fuel when the fire started after a spark from a phone.
“Three children died and we have counted over 15 bodies. A pregnant woman who wanted to buy the fuel also died.”
Confirming the incident, the state police public relations officer, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, said those who lost their lives were fuel scoopers.
She said, “They were scooping fuel from a tanker when the fire started. We have commenced an investigation into the matter.”
Reacting, the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) described the incident as a shocking news, an unfortunate and lamentable occurrence.
The party, in a statement by its publicity secretary, Alex Kalejaiye, mourned the untimely but avoidable death of the victims.
According to him, “It was a painfully touching scene.”
The party urged Nigerians to be more careful with explosive items, no matter the level of temptation, adding that petroleum products give no notice before an explosion.
The party said, “Times are hard, no doubt, but we are very certain that the situation will begin to relax very soon. We need to stay safe, and in good health to keep hope alive.
“We deeply sympathise with the bereaved families, friends, and the Ore community. We pray to God to comfort them. May the souls of the victims rest in peace,” he said.
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