…as Oborevwori mourns victims of Agbor tanker fire incident, directs remedial action
A devastating tragedy struck the Agbor, the administrative headquarter of Ika south local government area of Delta State as four individuals were burnt to death and three others sustained severe injuries in a catastrophic diesel explosion.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday January 5, 2025, under harrowing circumstances, due to brake failure of the diesel laden tanker, has sent shockwaves through the local community, leaving families grieving and survivors grappling with the aftermath.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the explosion erupted suddenly, after the tanker fell close to First Bank while the driver was trying to make a turn on the ever-busy Old Lagos/Asaba Road that runs through Agbor main town, engulfing the area in flames and chaos, as several properties including vehicles destroyed by the fire.
As emergency services, State Fire Service, rushed to the scene, the extent of the damage became painfully clear, highlighting the dire need for enhanced safety measures in handling volatile substances.
This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with fuel handling and the critical importance of preventive measures.
It would be recall that four persons also died and 11 were hospitalised in January Friday 22, 2021, following an explosion at a gas plant also in Agbor.
Meanwhile, the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended his heart-felt condolences to the families of victims of Sunday’s fire incident caused by a fallen diesel tanker in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of the state.
The diesel tanker reportedly suffered a brake failure, and fell at a traffic light junction and exploded into a ball of fire that burnt four persons to death.
Three other persons suffered various degrees of injury in the explosion and the resultant inferno.
In commiserating with the Ika South Local Government and people of the area on the tragedy, which resulted in the loss of lives and property, the Governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, described the fire incident as horrifying and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured and fortitude to those bereaved in the unfortunate incident.
Governor Oborevwori directed the State Ministry of Health, the State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant authorities to expedite action by providing the much-needed immediate support to all victims of the incident.
The Governor commended the Fire Service, the good people of Ika South Local Government and security agencies who rallied round to put out the inferno and their dedication to assisting those affected by the fire incident.
