Several people are feared dead and many others injured after a petrol tanker fell and exploded at Oluku, along the Benin-Lagos Expressway in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

The tanker, loaded with premium motor spirit (PMS), reportedly fell while trying to make a U-turn near Oluku Market and spilled its contents on the road and into nearby drainage channels. Reports differ on the exact time it fell, with accounts ranging from the early hours to about 7:45am. Eyewitnesses said residents and passers-by rushed to scoop the fuel despite warnings from security operatives.

The tanker then burst into flames at about 1pm, setting off a large inferno that engulfed vehicles, shops and the nearby market.

One survivor said he escaped only because a soldier warned him about the danger of gathering around the leaking tanker, while another witness said the tanker “busted into flames” as people ran for their lives. Two men who were directly under the tanker were reportedly burnt beyond recognition. Some residents attributed the explosion to the hot sun, which had been intense since around 10am.

The number of casualties had not been confirmed at the time of filing. Some outlets reported at least four deaths, including a soldier who was trying to rescue victims, while others said the toll was likely higher because the fire was still burning.

At least 10 to 15 people with severe burns, among them pregnant women, were rushed to the emergency unit of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), where medical teams were mobilised across the accident, emergency and burns units. Some bodies were reportedly taken to the hospital’s mortuary.

Personnel of the Edo State Fire Service were at the scene working to put out the fire.

The Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council expressed sorrow over the incident in a statement by its Director of Media, John Mayaki. It commiserated with the affected families, wished the injured a quick recovery and called for urgent support for survivors.

The explosion is the latest in a long line of tanker disasters in Nigeria in which residents who rush to scoop spilled fuel are caught in the fire. Authorities have repeatedly warned the public to keep away from fallen tankers.