At least five people lost their lives on Sunday following a petrol tanker explosion in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The tanker, laden with petrol, reportedly lost control and burst into flames, engulfing nearby buildings and structures.
Eyewitnesses captured harrowing scenes of residents fleeing the inferno, with several properties damaged in the incident.
Emergency responders are expected to begin rescue and recovery operations.
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This tragic event adds to a series of similar incidents across the country. In October 2024, over 170 people perished in a fuel tanker explosion in Jigawa State, underscoring the recurring dangers associated with transporting petrol in Nigeria.
The explosion comes at a time when petrol has become a highly sought-after commodity in Nigeria, with prices skyrocketing more than fivefold since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
The economic crisis has seen inflation soar to 32.7 per cent as of September 2024, pushing over half of the population below the poverty line.
Experts have attributed the frequent tanker explosions to poor road conditions, inadequate regulation of fuel transportation, and a lack of safety awareness.
They have urged the government to enforce stricter safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
