At least eight persons have been confirmed dead in a fire incident involving an oil tanker in Ometan community, in Okpe LGA, Delta State.
It was gathered that the incident occurred on Friday when the ill-fated tanker coming from Effurun purportedly lost control while overtaking another truck a few metres away from the Uvwie and Okpe boundary bridge.
Eyewitnesses have reported that the front part of the oil tanker unexpectedly detached, from the rear compartment while it was in motion, leading to an explosion.
The explosion razed all buildings in the community that were nearby the accident scene, and some residents who were stuck in the building at the time of the incident were also burnt to death.
Meanwhile, the state governor, Sheriff Oborevwori has visited the scene of the tragedy, and condoled with the Ometan community and the victims’s families
This unfortunate incident took place just four days after a gas tanker explosion killed several residents in Rivers State and destroyed valuable properties.
Why It Matters:
The frequency and severity of tanker explosions in Nigeria are a harrowing reminder of the systemic challenges the country has to overcome regarding transportation and safety regulations. Some of the reasons why these accidents seems to be commonplace are:
- Poor Infrastructure: The roads in Nigeria often lack good maintenance and safety measures which increases the risk of accidents involving tanker trucks conveying hazardous materials like oil and gas.Additionally, poor road markings, signage, and barriers contribute their own quota to the road collisions and spills.
- Lack of Regulation and Enforcement: Nigeria lacks stringent regulations and effective enforcement mechanisms which would govern the transportation of hazardous materials. This negligence allows for careless practices, such as overloading, improper maintenance of vehicles, and reckless driving, which increases the risk of accidents.
- Human Error and Negligence:
A lot of the tanker accidents that happen are caused by human error, including speeding, fatigue, and distracted driving. In the case of Ometan community, the reported loss of control and unexpected detachment of the tanker’s front part points to mechanical failures and negligence in maintaining the vehicle. - Urban Encroachment:
Overnight urbanization and population growth are the causes of encroachment of residential areas near key transportation routes. The location of these residential buildings increases the vulnerability of communities to accidents and explosions as was the case in Ometan.
Bottom Line:
Addressing these grave issues requires a comprehensive approach, including the implementing stricter regulations, investing in infrastructure and emergency services, launching public awareness campaigns on road safety, and holding companies and individuals transporting hazardous materials accountable.
If conscious steps are not taken, the tragic cycle of tanker explosions and loss of life will keep occurring.
