Photo: Scenes from the inferno
Pregnant woman, 20 others die as fuel-laden tanker explodes in Ondo
No fewer than 20 people including a pregnant woman and three children have roasted to death after a fuel-laden tanker exploded at Ore, in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo state.
According to reports, the incident occurred on Cowboy Road, opposite Optima Filling Station in Ore, on Sunday evening.
It was gathered that the victims were scooping fuel after the petrol tanker fell and spilled its contents and exploded after the driver lost control.
Sources said the fire was ignited by a spark from a phone of the persons scooping fuel that spilled from the tank.
An eye witness account said that they were inside the church when the tanker fell and spilled its contents on the road.
A source who identified himself as Cyriacus told newsmen that many people rushed to scoop fuel from the tanker despite being warned by the pastor in the church.
He said, “We were inside the church when we heard that tanker fell.
”The rain was also falling. People were taking fuel when fire started after a spark from a phone.
“Three children died and we have counted over 15 bodies. A pregnant woman that wanted to scoop the fuel also died.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ondo State, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, said that those who lost their lives were fuel scoopers.
“They were scooping fuel from a tanker when the fire started. We have commenced an investigation into the matter,” she added.
