BY ONYEKACHUKWU IBEZIM – Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has condoled families of victims caught in the tragic fire incident that occured on Sunday in Agbor, the headquarters of Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State.
A petrol tanker burst into flames in the area with about five persons feared dead, many injured and properties worth millions of Naira destroyed in the process.
Governor Oborevwori, while reacting to the incident, expressed deep sorrow, lamenting that four persons were killed while three others sustained injuries.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the governor described the incident as horrifying and extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, while praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.
“It is with a heavy heart that I commiserate with the people of Ika South Local Government and the affected families. This tragic incident is deeply saddening. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones at this difficult time,” the statement read.
“I have instructed the relevant agencies to move swiftly in providing the necessary support to those affected by this unfortunate incident. We will ensure that the injured receive the best possible care and that families who lost loved ones are supported during this difficult time.”
The governor also commended the Delta State Fire Service, local residents, and security agencies for their prompt response in containing the inferno and assisting the victims.
“I appreciate the swift response of our fire service, security agencies, and the good people of Ika South who rallied to put out the fire and support the victims. Your selflessness and courage in the face of such a disaster are commendable,” Oborevwori said.
According to reports, the petrol tanker explosion incident occurred close to a First Bank branch along the ever-busy Old Lagos/Asaba Road
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Police Command in Delta State, Mr Bright Edafe, who confirmed the incident, said two banks’ branches in the town, First Bank and Access Bank, were engulfed in the Sunday inferno.
He also disclosed that four houses, including an Anglican Church building, and two vehicles were also burnt in the fire incident.
Eyewitnesses said the petrol-laden tanker reportedly fell and burst into flames, burning the victims who were in its path and causing panic in the area.
Some residents of the area told reporters that the inferno engulfed vehicles, houses, and business premises, leaving charred remains of victims at the scene.
One of the residents lamented thus; “We were told that the petrol tanker fell by the First Bank axis in Agbor when the driver tried to make a turn at the old Lagos/Asaba road.
“As I ran to the scene to find out, it was devastating. We discovered that the firefighters did not arrive at the scene on time as the fire continued to spread and cause havoc on its destruction pathway
Videos circulating online showed attempts by residents to extinguish the fire as they awaited firefighters.
Another witness, who his name as Mr. Chuks Ogwude, said; “It was a terrible sight. The fire spread quickly, and people were helpless. We tried to assist, but there was little we could do.
“The authorities need to act fast to prevent further incidents like this.”
Residents expressed anger over the late response of emergency services, lamenting that such incidents had become frequent due to poor road maintenance and reckless driving by tanker operators.
A resident, Mrs. Ebele Chiejine, said, “We have seen many accidents on this road because tankers are not properly monitored. The government must ensure safety measures are put in place.”
Several buildings and vehicles around the scene were reduced to ashes, while some structures were still engulfed in flames as of the time of filing this report.
The Delta State Police Command and fire service personnel later arrived at the scene desperately trying to manage the already dire situation.
