…as govt assesses level of damage
A fuel tanker explosion at Jattu Junction along Auchi–Okene Road in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State has left 25 persons badly injured with 16 currently receiving medical treatment at Auchi General Hospital and Amazing Grace Hospital in Auchi, Edo State.
The incident, which occurred after a fuel-laden tanker fell and caught fire, resulted in destruction of several shops, four trucks and a number of motorbikes.
Jerry Idahosa, Head of Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EdoSEMA), disclosed the figure during an on-the-spot assessment of the affected area and hospitals by a high-powered State Government delegation led by Gani Audu, Chief of Staff to the Governor.
According to Idahosa, although the inferno caused significant property damage and injuries, no life was lost. He confirmed that emergency responders promptly intervened to contain the situation and evacuate victims for medical attention.
Speaking at the scene, Audu said the delegation was mandated by Governor Monday Okpebholo to immediately visit Auchi to sympathise with the community and victims, and to assess the extent of damage caused by the incident.
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“We were given a clear directive by the governor to come here immediately to show solidarity with the Auchi community and the victims, and to assess exactly what happened,” Audu said.
He explained that although the governor would have preferred to visit personally, he was unavoidably engaged on State matters in Abuja, hence the decision to constitute a strong delegation as a demonstration of the government’s responsiveness.
“When you see the Chief of Staff, the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, the Chief Whip of the Edo State House of Assembly, the Director-General of EdoSEMA and officials of NEMA here, it shows that this is a responsible and responsive government that cares about the welfare of its people,” he added.
Audu noted that the delegation had visited both the scene of the inferno and hospitals where victims were admitted, adding that a comprehensive report would be submitted to the governor to guide long-term preventive and safety measures.
Also speaking, Festus Ebea, Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, attributed the incident partly to the poor condition and undulating nature of the Auchi–Okene expressway, particularly around Jattu Junction.
“This section of the road is dangerous and requires urgent remedial work. From past records, several trailers have had accidents here,” Ebea said.
He assured that the Edo State Government would take responsibility for victims still undergoing treatment and issued a strong warning against scooping fuel from fallen tankers, explaining that “PMS is highly flammable. Anywhere you see fuel flowing, run away immediately. Even a minor static force can ignite fire. This is a strong warning to everyone.”
