At least 11 people reportedly suffered burn injuries after a petrol tanker exploded at Oluku Market in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, turning a fallen-tanker incident into a devastating fire that affected nearby shops and vehicles.
The explosion occurred on Thursday, October 15, 2026, after the tanker reportedly fell earlier in the morning, spilling petrol onto the road and into nearby drainage channels. Residents and passers-by subsequently gathered around the vehicle to scoop the spilled fuel.
According to eyewitness accounts reported by Nigerian media, the situation escalated at about 1 p.m. when the tanker burst into flames, forcing people in the area to flee for safety.
One eyewitness, who admitted that he had also been scooping fuel, said he narrowly escaped after a soldier warned him about the danger of the activity under the prevailing conditions.
He recounted that he turned around after receiving the warning, only for the tanker to burst into flames moments later.
The witness also said the fire spread to shops built around drainage channels at Oluku Market, destroying traders’ goods and affecting vehicles caught in the incident. Two men who were reportedly beneath the tanker sustained burns, while other people in the vicinity were also affected.
The injured victims were rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for emergency medical attention. The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu, reportedly coordinated the emergency response, with medical teams attending to patients in the accident and emergency department and burns unit.
Personnel of the Edo State Fire Service were also deployed to the scene to battle the blaze, while security operatives and other emergency responders worked to manage the situation.
However, reports have given different casualty figures. While initial accounts reported 11 people with burn injuries, the Edo State Police Command subsequently confirmed that eight people were injured. Other reports indicated that fatalities were feared, but the complete casualty figures had not been conclusively established in the available updates.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers. Spilled petrol can release highly flammable vapour, and a fire can spread rapidly when fuel comes into contact with an ignition source. Approaching a fallen tanker to collect its contents can therefore expose people to severe burns, explosions and death.
Residents are advised to stay away from fallen fuel tankers and spilled petroleum products, keep others clear of the affected area and alert emergency responders instead of attempting to collect fuel.
As emergency teams respond to the aftermath of the Oluku explosion, concerns remain over the injuries, damage to businesses and vehicles, and the final number of people affected by the incident.
