Seven die, many houses razed in Delta tanker fire


Seven persons died in a fire incident involving an oil tanker in Ometan community in Okpe local government area of Delta State yesterday.

Eyewitness said that the accident occurred when the front part of the oil tanker suddenly detached from the rear compartment while on motion.

It was learnt that the rear portion exploded and fire engulfed the scene.

It was gathered that all  buildings in the community within the vicinity scene  were razed.

Some occupants of the buildings were trapped and killed in the inferno.

One of the eyewitnesses told LEADERSHIP that seven burnt remains of the residents were recovered when the fire was eventually put out.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori Oborevwori has visited the scene and condoled with  Ometan community over the incident.

Speaking at the scene, Oborevwori, who was accompanied by the  Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor and former chairman of Okpe local government area,  said, “I was just coming from the creeks where I went to inspect projects and there was no network, so immediately I arrived the Navy jetty, I received a message from the head of personnel management of Okpe local government council informing me of the sad incident.

“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.”

Leave a comment