Many people were feared dead and several others injured on Thursday, October 15, 2026, after a petrol tanker fell and burst into flames in the Oluku area of Benin City, Edo State capital.
The incident occurred at about 2 p.m. when the tanker reportedly attempted a U-turn near Oluku Market, fell and spilled its contents onto the road and adjoining drainage channels.
Eyewitnesses said residents and passers-by rushed to scoop the spilled petrol into gallons and buckets before security operatives arrived to cordon off the area.
One of the eyewitnesses, Obasogie Felix, said a resident had scooped petrol into a 25-litre jerrycan, strapped it to his motorcycle and ridden away, unaware that the container was leaking.
“The man brought a 25-litre gallon and scooped fuel. He tied the gallon to his bike and was riding off, not knowing that it was leaking.
“Suddenly, we saw a spark and an inferno started,” Felix said.
Another eyewitness said the tanker owner brought in another tanker to evacuate the remaining fuel before the vehicle burst into flames, leaving several people severely burnt and others injured.
The witness, who said he was also among those scooping petrol, recounted how a soldier warned him about the danger shortly before the fire erupted.
“I was also among those who were scooping the fuel. I escaped by whiskers.
“It was a soldier who called me and drew my attention to the fact that it was sunny and the way people rushed to scoop the fuel may ignite fire,” he said.
The witness added that the tanker burst into flames moments after he turned to look back, forcing people around the scene to flee for safety.
“As I looked back after he spoke to me, the tanker burst into flames as people around the area ran for safety.
“I thank the soldier; if not, I would have been burnt by now,” he said.
The exact number of fatalities had yet to be confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
However, 10 injured victims were reportedly taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.
The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu, was seen leading the emergency response team across the accident emergency and burns units to stabilise victims and minimise fatalities.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Preye Bedford, said personnel of the corps, police, fire service and Edo State Traffic Management Agency were at the scene managing traffic.
Bedford said the corps would provide casualty figures later.
Boluwatife Enome
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