Fuel tanker explodes after losing control, kills dozen in Benue

The truck fell over, spilling its content all over the Oshigbudu/Obagaji Junction. A petrol station was also affected.

ELFREDAH KEVIN-ALERECHI • April 18, 2021

Tanker on fire used to illustrate the story [Photo credit: Guardian Nigeria]

A fuel tanker exploded on Sunday killing at least a dozen and razing down over a hundred houses at Oshigbudu in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue state.

Peoples Gazette learnt the sad incident happened at noon.

Multiple media reports had it that the tanker was conveying petrol from Oweto towards Otukpo when the driver lost control of the truck.

The truck fell over, spilling its content all over the Oshigbudu/Obagaji Junction. A petrol station was also affected, which caused a huge explosion and increased the damage.

Vice-Chairman of Agatu LGA, John Ikwulono, pegged the death figure at no fewer than 10 persons.

Witnesses told Vanguard that the incident happened so fast that many houses caught fire and “most of those living in those houses did not escape because of the manner the accident happened.”

In July 2019, at least 40 persons were confirmed dead while 60 persons were badly injured, following a fuel tanker explosion in Benue State. The police said the tanker fell while trying to avoid potholes.

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