No fewer than eight persons have so far been reported dead in a fire incident involving an oil tanker in the Ometan community, in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State on Friday, 3 May 2024.

It was gathered that the incident occurred when the ill-fated tanker coming from Effurun reportedly lost control while overtaking another truck a few meters away from the boundary bridge between Uvwie and Okpe Local Government Area.

According to eyewitnesses, the front part of the oil tanker suddenly severed from the rear compartment while in motion, leading to an explosion. All buildings in the community within the accident scene were razed. Some residents who were trapped in the building were also burnt to death.

The state governor, Sheriff Oborevwori has visited the scene and condoled with the Ometan community and families of the victims.

Speaking at the scene, the Governor, who was accompanied by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, and former Chairman of Okpe Local Government Area, said he was away when the incident occurred.

“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 the Ometan community and families of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident”, he said.

The development is coming barely four days after a gas tanker explosion killed many residents in Rivers State and destroyed properties.

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