Benin Tanker Explosion: At Least 10 Injured

At least 10 people were reportedly injured following a petrol tanker explosion near Oluku Market along the Benin-Lagos Expressway in Edo State.

The incident occurred on Thursday, October 15, 2026, after a fuel-laden tanker overturned, spilling petrol onto the road and nearby drainage channels.

According to reports by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and other news organisations, the fire spread to surrounding shops and vehicles, causing significant damage.

Several deaths were feared following the incident, although the exact number of fatalities had not been officially confirmed in the initial reports.

How the Benin Tanker Explosion Happened

Eyewitnesses said the tanker overturned near Oluku Market, resulting in petrol spilling across parts of the road.

Residents and passers-by reportedly gathered around the fallen tanker and began collecting the spilled fuel in containers.

The petrol later ignited, triggering a fire that quickly spread through the surrounding area.

Witnesses described scenes of confusion as people attempted to escape while flames spread towards shops and vehicles.

The precise source of ignition had not been independently established in the initial reports.

Injured Victims Taken to UBTH

Several victims who sustained burn injuries were reportedly taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for emergency treatment.

Initial accounts differed on the number of injured people. NAN reported that 10 victims were taken to the hospital, while Punch reported 11 people injured.

The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu, was reported to have coordinated medical personnel attending to victims in the emergency and burns units.

Meanwhile, concerns remained over the number of people who may have died in the incident.

Although eyewitnesses reported possible fatalities, an officially verified death toll had not been established in the initial accounts.

Fire Damages Shops and Vehicles

The explosion also affected commercial activities around Oluku Market.

According to eyewitness reports, petrol that flowed into adjoining drainage channels contributed to the spread of the fire towards nearby shops.

Vehicles and other properties were also reportedly damaged.

The full extent of the destruction had not been established as emergency operations continued.

Emergency Agencies Respond to Explosion

Personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps, police, fire service and Edo State traffic authorities were deployed to the area.

The Edo State FRSC Sector Commander, Preye Bedford, confirmed that emergency personnel were responding to the incident and managing traffic around the affected road.

Authorities were expected to provide further information on the casualties and circumstances surrounding the explosion.

The incident has renewed concerns about the dangers associated with collecting spilled petrol from fallen tankers.

People are advised to stay away from fuel spills and allow trained emergency personnel to secure accident scenes.

Further updates are expected as authorities establish the confirmed casualty figures and the extent of property damage.