A fuel tanker accident in Eku, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, sparked a fire early Thursday, but what could have been a major tragedy was averted as residents and commuters managed to escape before the flames spread.
A viral video of the burning flames set social media agog, as several narratives went flying on the true situation of things.
However, it was gathered that the tanker, conveying petroleum products, reportedly overturned along the Eku–Abraka Expressway between Felicia Emosoga and Esvee Omeke Streets. Moments later, it went up in flames, sending people scampering for safety.
Witnesses said several individuals narrowly avoided being trapped, especially those who had gathered to scoop fuel from the fallen tanker before it exploded.
Only a welding workshop was affected by the fire, with no loss of life or damage to residential buildings.
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Reacting to the incident, the Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, said he quickly intervened by contacting the Commissioner for the Bureau for Special Duties, Hon. Etacherure Ejiro Terry, who oversees the state’s fire service. He said the commissioner assured that immediate action was being taken to manage the situation.
Akpowowo, expressed relief that the explosion did not result in casualties. He cautioned residents against the dangerous practice of scooping fuel during tanker accidents, warning that petrol ignites easily and can cause widespread fatalities within seconds.
He emphasized that no quantity of fuel is worth risking a life and urged the public to exercise better judgment in emergencies.
The Deputy Speaker confirmed that the scene has since been secured and that both vehicular and pedestrian movement have resumed. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to responding promptly to such emergencies.
