The tanker accident comes barely four days after a gas tanker explosion killed many residents in Rivers State and destroyed properties
By Kehinde Okeowo
A oil tanker accident in Ometan community, in Okpe local government area of Delta State has left no fewer than eight persons, including a three-year-old child and her mother dead.
TheNiche learnt the tragic incident occurred a few metres away from the boundary bridge between Uvwie and Okpe Local Government Area on Friday, when the ill-fated tanker coming from Effurun reportedly lost control while overtaking another truck.
According to eyewitnesses, the front part of the oil tanker suddenly detached from the rear compartment while on motion, leading to an explosion.
The fire then razed the buildings within the vicinity of the accident, while some residents who were trapped in the buildings were also burnt to death.
Following the incident, Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori visited Ometan community in company of the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor and former chairman of Okpe local government area.
Speaking at the scene of the incident, the governor condoled with the people of the community and families of the victims, intimating them that he was away from the state when the accident occurred.
Oborevwori said: “On getting here, I saw dead bodies and those who witnessed the unfortunate incident.
“It is a very sad situation and I commiserate with the people of Ometan community and families of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident.”
The latest tanker accident comes barely four days after a gas tanker explosion killed many residents in Rivers State and destroyed properties.
This is also as a gas tanker explosion in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital recently killed a motor boy, injured several others and razed several shops.
