The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander in Edo State, Preye Ezekiel Bedford, has said no death has been officially recorded following the tanker explosion at Oluku, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of the state.
Bedford disclosed that security operatives and emergency responders, including the police, military personnel, the Federal Fire Service and the Edo State Fire Service, remained at the scene to contain the remaining fire and clear the affected area.
Speaking on the incident, the FRSC commander expressed appreciation to the security agencies and firefighters for their efforts in managing the situation.
“I got to the scene, I saw the situation. I want to thank the soldiers, the policemen and personnel of the Edo State and Federal fire services that are there, trying to put out the little part of the fire that is remaining.”
Reacting to reports circulating in some quarters that some people had died in the explosion, Bedford said the authorities are yet to receive any confirmation of fatalities.
He, however, confirmed that 10 people had been reported as casualties and were among those affected by the incident.
The FRSC commander condemned the persistent practice of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, describing the behaviour as dangerous and unacceptable, particularly when emergency responders are working to secure the scene.
He lamented that some residents defied warnings from security personnel and attacked officers who were attempting to prevent them from approaching the tanker.
Bedford said the incident underscored the need for intensified public enlightenment on the dangers associated with fuel scooping.
“The habit of trying to scoop fuel is unbecoming,” he said.
