Police React As Explosion Kills 15 Fuel Scoopers In Ondo

The Nigeria Police Force, Ogun State command, has reacted to the tragic death of a pregnant woman and fourteen others in a fuel tanker explosion in Ondo State on Sunday, July 23, 2023.

Naija News reports that the tragic incident happened in Ore, a commercial community in the Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Reports had it that a fuel-laden tanker crashed in the area yesterday, and residents besieged the scene to scoop the spilt petrol from the scene.

Reacting, the spokesperson of the police command in the state, Fumilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, described the victims as fuel scoopers.

“They were scooping fuel from a tanker when the fire started. We have commenced an investigation into the matter,” the PPRO told the PUNCH.

Meanwhile, an eyewitness who reportedly spoke to The Nation said the fuel, which had spilt onto the road, was ignited by a spark emanating from a mobile phone held by one of the citizens involved in the scooping.

He explained that the incident occurred along Showboy Road, near a filling station in the area.

Another eyewitness, an Okada rider (motorcycle rider), who identified himself simply as John, explained that 15 persons had been confirmed dead in the incident while efforts were made to put out the raging fire.

He confirmed that the victims who were roasted to death included three children and a pregnant woman, with others being adults (male).

“After the truck crashed, people began to rush to the scene to scoop fuel. It was in the process that the truck exploded.

“Three children died, and we have counted over 15 bodies. A pregnant woman who wanted to buy fuel also died,” the eyewitness told journalists.

Another source who spoke to The Guardian, Nireti, affirmed that the incident happened along Showboy Road, adjacent to a filling station in Ore.

According to her, after losing control and crashing, the truck spilt its contents on the road, after which people began to rush in order to scoop fuel.

She said: “I was in my shop when I heard the tanker fall. The rain was also falling. People were taking fuel when the fire started after a spark from a phone.

“Three children died, and we have counted over 15 bodies. A pregnant woman who wanted to buy the fuel also died. The money is still with her.”