No fewer than 18 persons including a pregnant woman and children on Sunday night lost their lives after a tanker exploded at Ore, the headquarters of Odigbo local government area of Ondo State.
LEADERSHIP gathered that residents were scooping fuel after a petrol tanker fell and spilled its contents after the 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 a person scooping fuel spilled from the tank.
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 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. The money is still with her.”
Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, disclosed that 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 All Progressives Congress (APC), described the incident as 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 sympathize 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.”
