A petroleum tanker explosion claimed the lives of eight individuals, including a breastfeeding mother and her three-month-old baby on Friday along the Effurun-Sapele Road in Delta State.
The incident occurred at the Ometan-Okpe community, near the busy Ometan-Okpe junction.
Reports indicate that the explosion occurred around 10 am, triggered by a fuel-laden tanker experiencing a mechanical fault while in motion, leading to a blast that engulfed nearby buildings and properties.
The young mother lost her life while attempting to rescue her infant from the engulfing flames, according to onlookers.
Among the deceased were a 16-year-old secondary schoolgirl and her mother, who were trapped in their apartment at the time of the explosion.
Eyewitnesses pointed fingers at the tanker driver, alleging that he was overspeeding which contributed to the damage.
They appealed to the Delta State Government for assistance to property owners who suffered losses in the wake of the tragedy, with several residential buildings, an oil and gas company complex, and makeshift structures razed to the ground.
So far, seven residential buildings were reduced to ashes, alongside the loss of vehicles and heavy-duty trucks caught in the blaze.
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