Tanker Explosion: Okowa Visits Scene, Calls for Assessment of Incident
By Gabriel Elozino
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Thursday, called for immediate assessment of the cause of the petroleum product tanker explosion, which razed down no fewer than 25 houses and destroyed valuables worth millions of naira in Ohoror community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
The Trumpet reported that the incident, which occurred in the wee hours of Thursday in the community located along Warri-Port Harcourt Expressway, claimed two lives when a truck loaded with granite collided with a petrol tanker parked at the junction which led to an explosion.
Okowa, who made the call when he visited the scene of the incident, commiserated with the community on the tragedy and gave assurance that government would take steps to cushion the effects of the inferno on victims.
The governor said that no effort would be spared in putting out the fire completely and directed the State Director of Fire Service to remain on ground until the fire was completely extinguished and other oil trucks posing a threat to the community are evacuated.
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Okowa was accompanied by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori and Secretary to the State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah on the visit.
The Governor commended the Fire Service for prompt response and advised the community to keep off from the fire scene in addition to being vigilant to avoid loss of lives as government is working hard to contain the spread of the explosion.
Earlier while briefing the governor, the state’s Director of Fire Services, Mr Eugene Oziwele said that his men were alerted at dawn and he quickly mobilized to the community.
He added that fire-fighting trucks were mobolised from Ughelli to ensure that the fire was extinguished completely.
Also briefing the governor, President-General of Uwheru Kingdom, Chief Macpherson Igbedi, said that no fewer than 25 houses were gutted by the fire and appealed for more efforts in evacuating an abandoned tanker laden with gas from exploding.
