Residents ignore explosion threat, scoop fuel from fallen tanker in Edo

Some residents defied warning against possible explosion to scoop petrol from a fallen tanker along Benin-Agbor Road in Edo state.

The incident occurred at Okhuaihe Hill, near the Divisional Police office on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, when the tanker carrying 33,000 litres of PMS fell while the driver was trying to ascend the hills. 

It was gathered that people rushed to the scene and started snooping the petroleum product against the warning of the police. 

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, who confirmed the incident in a statement said the Commissioner of Police, CP Funsho Adegboye, has warned residents to stay clear from the scene. 

“Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a lone motor accident today Wednesday 1st May 2024 at about 1530hrs along Benin- Agbor Road by Ukhuaihe Hills around the River involving one Mack Truck conveying 33,000 litres of PMS with the inscriptions petrol Con Oil on it,” the statement read.

“The accident occurred at about 200 meters after Okhuaihe River as the truck driver lost control when he was unable to ascend the hills, rolled backwards and fell while the people around turning out in their numbers and started snooping the Petroleum Products against the warnings of the Police for them to guide against fire outbreak.

“The Commissioner of Police Edo State Command, CP Funsho Adegboye, mni, call on fire service, television/radio stations sensitised citizens of the danger of snooping Petroleum Products. 

“He, however, warned parents and guardians to warn their children and wards to desist from scooping Petroleum Products at the accident scene or other places to avoid fire outbreak that may consume their lives.

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