By Simeon OSAJIE
A fire outbreak erupted on Thursday morning at Oluku Market in Benin City, Edo State, as a petroleum tanker overturned near the market buildings leaving several people injured.
The Overturned fuel tanker lost control and overturned near the market buildings as Local residents rushed to the scene with jerry cans and containers to scoop the spilled fuel.
The9JaTREND gathered that hours after the spill and fuel-scooping began, a fire outbreak erupted and spread near the market structures.
Official confirmation regarding the exact cause of ignition and any casualties have not yet been ascertained.
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC), Edo State Command, Beford Preye Ezekiel, said the command cannot give the exact casualties at the time of filing this report.
According to him, some of the fire victims have been transferred to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, at the Emergency Response Unit, the Management of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has deployed immediate emergency services following the fuel tanker explosion.
The Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, was seen personally coordinating the response team at the accident, emergency, and burns units to treat severe casualties and prevent loss of life.
According to an eye witness, a resident of Oluku Community told The9JaTREND Nigeria that several goods and properties worth millions of Naira have been destroyed by the inferno.