No fewer than 20 people lost their lives following a tanker explosion at Ore in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State. The incident, which occurred Sunday evening, was as a result of a spark from a phone held by one of the persons who were scooping fuel that spilled from the tanker.
It was learnt that among the dead were three children and a pregnant woman with N100,000 to buy fuel.
An eye witness, who preferred anonymity, said the tanker fell and spilled its contents on the road and some persons rushed to scoop fuel despite being warned by a clergyman.
“We were inside the church when we heard that the tanker fell. The rain was also falling. People were taking fuel when fire started after a spark from a phone. Three children died and we counted over 15 bodies. A pregnant woman that wanted to buy the fuel also died. The money is still with her.”
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, confirmed the incident but said she was yet to get details of the incident.
Meanwhile, the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has mourned the untimely death of the victims of the incident.
The party, in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Alex Kalejaye, said the incident came as a shocking news, describing it as an unfortunate and lamentable occurrence.
The party urges Nigerians to be more careful with explosive items, no matter the level of temptation, saying petroleum products give no notice before explosion.
The statement read: “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 God to comfort them.”
