Agbor, a bustling town in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, was thrown into chaos yesterday following the explosion of a petrol tanker.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the day, sent shockwaves through the community as flames and thick black smoke engulfed the area.
The explosion happened near a densely populated residential area, heightening fears of casualties and extensive property damage.
Eyewitnesses recounted the horrifying moment when the tanker, reportedly carrying thousands of liters of petrol, suddenly burst into flames.
Residents, startled by the deafening blast, fled their homes in panic, seeking safety from the rapidly spreading inferno.
The cause of the explosion remains unclear, but authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the tragic incident.
Preliminary reports suggest that the tanker may have lost control and crashed into a roadside ditch before catching fire.
Officials from the Delta State Fire Service arrived at the scene to contain the blaze, working tirelessly to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby homes and businesses.
However, the intensity of the flames made their task daunting, as the fire raged uncontrollably for several hours.
By the time the inferno was extinguished, several properties, including shops and vehicles, had been reduced to ashes.
Although no official casualty figures have been released, unconfirmed reports indicate that several people sustained injuries, with some being rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Among the injured were passersby and residents who were caught in the chaos as they tried to evacuate the area.
One eyewitness, a shop owner named Mrs. Grace Okoro, described the incident as a nightmare.
She revealed that her store, which was stocked with goods for the festive season, was completely destroyed in the fire.
“All my goods are gone,” she said tearfully.
“I was just about to open my shop when I heard the loud explosion.
Before I could do anything, everything was on fire.
It’s a miracle I’m still alive.”
Another resident, Mr. Emmanuel Odu, said he narrowly escaped with his family after the explosion shattered the windows of his home.
“The heat from the fire was unbearable,” he recounted.
“We grabbed whatever we could and ran for our lives.
The whole neighborhood is in ruins.
We’ve never experienced anything like this before.”
The incident has left the Agbor community in a state of shock and mourning.
Local leaders have called for immediate government intervention to assist those affected by the disaster.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, expressed his condolences to the victims and assured them of the government’s support.
In a statement released shortly after the explosion, Governor Oborevwori described the incident as a tragic and unfortunate event.
He pledged to provide relief materials to displaced residents and called on relevant agencies to expedite the investigation.
“This is a time for us to come together as a community,” the governor said.
“We will do everything within our power to help those who have lost their homes and businesses.
The safety of our citizens remains our top priority.”
Meanwhile, safety experts have raised concerns over the frequent occurrence of petrol tanker explosions in Nigeria, attributing the trend to poor road infrastructure, inadequate safety measures, and the recklessness of some tanker drivers.
They argue that stricter enforcement of safety regulations could prevent such incidents and save lives.
Road safety advocates have also called for the establishment of designated routes for tankers to reduce the risk of accidents in residential areas.
The Agbor explosion is the latest in a series of similar incidents that have plagued the country in recent years, resulting in loss of lives and properties worth billions of naira.
Residents are now demanding swift action from the government to address the issue and ensure that such a tragedy does not occur again.
“We can’t live in constant fear,” said Mr. Odu.
“Something has to be done to protect us.
These tankers should not be allowed to pass through our communities without proper safety checks.”
As the investigation into the explosion continues, security agencies have cordoned off the scene to prevent unauthorized access and ensure public safety.
Authorities have also urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with the investigation team.
Delta State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Bright Edafe, assured the public that the investigation would be thorough and transparent.
He called on anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist the authorities.
“We are committed to uncovering the truth behind this unfortunate incident,” Edafe stated.
“Every lead will be followed to ensure that those responsible, if any, are brought to justice.”
In the meantime, humanitarian organizations and non-governmental bodies have begun mobilizing resources to support the affected residents.
Relief efforts are focused on providing temporary shelter, food, and medical assistance to those who lost their homes and livelihoods in the explosion.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has also deployed a team to assess the extent of the damage and coordinate relief efforts.
As Agbor begins the long road to recovery, the scars of the tragedy remain etched in the minds of its residents.
The haunting memories of the explosion serve as a grim reminder of the urgent need for improved safety measures in the transportation of petroleum products across the country.
For now, the community can only hope that lessons will be learned from this devastating incident and that steps will be taken to prevent a recurrence.
Kommentare