By Emmanuel Ukudolo I Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026
BENIN CITY — At least 11 people sustained varying degrees of burn injuries, and four others are feared dead following a petrol tanker explosion near the bustling Oluku Market along the Benin–Lagos Expressway in Edo State.
The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the local community, occurred when a petroleum tanker fell along the critical highway. According to eyewitness accounts, the situation quickly escalated into a disaster when residents and passersby rushed to the scene to scoop fuel from the spilled tanker, triggering a massive inferno.
The raging fire rapidly engulfed nearby shops, commercial spaces, and several vehicles parked along the route, causing extensive property damage and disrupting traffic flow on the major expressway.
Emergency responders and security operatives moved swiftly to the scene to contain the blaze and rescue trapped victims.
At least 11 individuals suffering from severe burns were rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for urgent medical attention.
While four people are currently feared dead as a result of the intense flames, authorities note that the official death toll remains unconfirmed pending a comprehensive search and rescue assessment by emergency agencies.
Petrol tanker accidents and subsequent explosions remain a recurring safety hazard along major transportation corridors in Nigeria, frequently driven by fuel scooping incidents.
Despite continuous warnings from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) regarding the extreme dangers of gathering around spilled petroleum products, economic pressures and a lack of safety awareness continue to draw crowds to disaster sites.
The Benin–Lagos Expressway is one of the nation’s busiest economic arteries, moving heavy freight and passenger traffic daily.
Incidents like the Oluku Market explosion underscore ongoing concerns regarding highway safety enforcement, rapid emergency response infrastructure, and the enforcement of regulations governing petroleum product transportation across Nigerian roads.