How seven died in Delta tanker explosion, as Gov Oborevwori mourns
From Joseph Obukata, Warri
Seven people died on Friday after a tanker carrying fuel fell and caused an explosion at Ometan-Okpe community along the ever-busy Warri-Sapele Road in the Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State.
Among the deaths were a nursing mother and her three-month-old baby.
Five others were also victims of the incident whose details were sketchy as of Friday.
It was gathered that the explosion occurred at around 10 a.m. and was caused by the tanker developing a mechanical fault and losing its head while in motion.
Eyewitnesses, however accused the tanker driver of overspending.
It was gathered that several buildings including an oil companys complex and other property were razed by the fire resulting from the explosion.
Sources said that a nursing mother who tried to rescue her three-month-old baby who was trapped in the inferno, was roasted by the fire.
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Also, a 16-year-old secondary schoolgirl and her mother who were trapped in their apartment were among the deaths.
Lifeless bodies of the victims were still at the spot where they were burnt alive as of Friday night when Governor Sheriff Oborevwori visited the scene.
Speaking at the scene, Governor Oborevwori commiserated with the people of Ometan-Okpe community over the unfortunate incident.
Flanked by Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor and former Chairman of Okpe Local Government Council, Hon. Isaiah Esiovwa, Governor Oborevwori empathised with the community on the unfortunate incident.
“I was just coming from the creeks where I went to inspect projects and there was no network so immediately I arrived the Navy jetty, I received a message from the Head of Personnel Management of Okpe Local Government Council informing me of the sad incident.
“On getting here I saw dead bodies and those who witnessed the unfortunate incident, said the tanker had an accident and exploded which led to the fire explosion.
“It is a very sad situation and I commiserate with the people of Ometan-Okpe community and families of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident.”