Tanker explosion on Benin‑Lagos road leaves multiple injured and several feared dead

Incident overview In the early hours of Thursday, a petrol tanker attempting a U‑turn near Oluku market on the Benin‑Lagos Road in Edo State overturned and spilled its fuel. Residents and passers‑by quickly gathered to collect the spilling petrol, a practice that continued until security personnel arrived and cordoned off the site. Shortly after the tanker fell, the remaining fuel ignited, causing a large explosion that burned several people beyond recognition and damaged nearby shops, houses and vehicles.

Casualties and medical response Reports on the number of deaths vary. One outlet described the situation as "scores" feared dead, while another could not independently verify the death toll but cited unofficial sources that mentioned five fatalities. A third source explicitly stated five people were feared dead. Injuries are more consistently reported: ten victims were taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for treatment, though one report noted eleven injured, including a pregnant woman. The hospital’s emergency, accident and burns units were mobilised, with the chief medical director overseeing the response to stabilise the severely burnt patients.

Emergency services and authorities The Federal Road Safety Corps, police, fire service and the Edo State Traffic Management Agency were present at the scene to manage traffic and assist with rescue operations. The state’s sector commander for the FRSC confirmed that these agencies worked together to control the area after the blast. Security officials also warned locals against scooping fuel, a warning that was reportedly ignored by some, contributing to the severity of the incident.

Community and political reaction Local witnesses recounted that the tanker owner brought a second tanker to transfer the remaining fuel before the explosion, a move that may have limited further spillage. The incident prompted expressions of sorrow from the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign council, which called for support for the affected families and urged authorities to prevent similar tragedies. Residents affected by the fire described the loss of property and the trauma of seeing neighbours burned.

Ongoing investigation Authorities have not released a definitive casualty figure, and investigations into the cause of the tanker’s overturning and the subsequent fire are ongoing. The incident highlights the risks associated with fuel scooping in Nigeria, a practice that has previously led to fatalities in other regions.

The situation remains fluid as medical teams continue to treat the injured and officials work to secure the site and assess the full extent of property damage.