Okowa visits scene of fuel tanker explosion

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Thursday visited the scene of petrol tanker explosion in Ohoror community, Ughelli North Local Government Area. The inferno burnt over 25 houses and destroyed other properties in the community.

Governor Okowa inspecting the losses in the community, ordered immediate investigation of the cause of the petroleum tanker explosion, including assessment of the damages.

The explosion occurred on Wednesday night in the community located along Warri-Port Harcourt Expressway, following collision of two trucks in the accident, leading to the death of two persons.

The governor commiserated with the community on the tragedy and gave assurance that government would take steps to cushion the effects of the inferno on victims.

The governor ordered intensified efforts put out the fire completely, directing the State Director of Fire Service to remain on ground until the fire was completely extinguished and other oil trucks posing a threat to the community are evacuated.

The governor was accompanied by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sherrif Oborevwori, and Secretary to the State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah. He commended the Fire Service for prompt response and advised the community to keep off from the fire scene in addition to being vigilant to avoid loss of lives as government was working hard to contain the spread of the explosion.

The State’s Director of Fire Services, Eugene Oziwele, told Governor Okowa that his men were alerted at dawn and he quickly mobilized to the community.

He added that fire-fighting trucks were mobolised from Ughelli to ensure that the fire was extinguished completely.

Also briefing the governor, President-General of Uwheru Kingdom, Chief Macpherson Igbedi, said that no fewer than 20 houses were gutted by the fire and appealed for more efforts in evacuating an abandoned tanker laden with gas from exploding.

He said two trucks conveying gas and diesel rammed into each other at the Ohoror junction before the explosion occurred.

The Chairman of Ughelli North Council, Chief Godwin Adode, was on hand to conduct the governor round the affected area.