More than eight individuals have tragically lost their lives in a devastating fire incident involving an oil tanker in Ometan community, located in the Okpe local government area of Delta State.
The incident took place on a Friday when the tanker, traveling from Effurun, lost control while attempting to overtake another truck near the boundary bridge between Uvwie and Okpe Local Government Area.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the front part of the oil tanker unexpectedly separated from the rear compartment while in motion, resulting in a massive explosion that engulfed the surrounding area.
As a result, all structures within the vicinity of the accident were completely destroyed, and some residents who were trapped in the buildings suffered fatal burns.
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Governor Sheriff Oborevwori visited the site of the tragedy to offer his condolences to the Ometan community and the families of the victims.
Accompanied by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, and the former chairman of Okpe local government area, the governor expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the tragic loss of life and the devastation caused by the explosion.
The governor, who was not present at the time of the incident, expressed his shock upon witnessing the aftermath of the disaster, which claimed the lives of several individuals and left a community in mourning.
The recent incident in Delta State follows closely on the heels of a similar tragedy in Rivers State, where a gas tanker explosion resulted in multiple fatalities and extensive property damage.
