A devastating tanker explosion in Delta State on Sunday afternoon has claimed at least five lives and left a trail of destruction in the Agbor Ika South Local Government Area.
The tanker, carrying petrol, reportedly lost control before bursting into flames, engulfing nearby buildings and structures in a raging inferno.
Eyewitness videos show residents fleeing for their lives as the fire spread rapidly through the area. Emergency responders are expected to begin rescue operations shortly.
This tragedy echoes similar incidents across Nigeria, where tanker explosions have become alarmingly frequent amidst the country’s ongoing fuel crisis.
In October 2024, a tanker explosion in Jigawa State resulted in over 170 deaths, highlighting the dire risks associated with fuel transport and storage in the country.
Nigeria, grappling with its worst economic downturn in decades, has seen fuel prices soar more than fivefold since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
With inflation reaching over 30% and poverty levels surging to affect more than half of the population, the scarcity and cost of petrol have added to the struggles of everyday life.
This latest incident in Delta State underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures in fuel transportation to prevent such catastrophic occurrences.
