Pregnant Woman, 3 Children, 16 Others Killed As Tanker Explosion Rocks Ondo

VAM News Update

No fewer than 20 persons were said to have lost their lives on Sunday after a petrol tanker exploded at Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

It was gathered that some residents had stormed the scene to scoop fuel after the ill-fated truck fell, spilling out petrol freely.

It was further gathered that one of the persons struggling to scoop the free flow of fuel held a phone which was said to have ignited a large inferno.

In the explosion, three children including a pregnant woman who reportedly came with a sum of N100, 000 to buy the spilled content were among the 20 persons burnt to death.

A bystander who gave his name as Cyriacus said he and others were inside the church when the tanker fell and spilled its contents on the road.

Cyriacus said some persons rushed to scoop fuel despite prior warning by their Pastor not to indulge in the dangerous act.

“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 buy the fuel also died. The money is still with her.”

Ondo Police spokesman, SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, said she was yet to get details of the incident.