Petrol Tanker Explosion Rocks Auchi, Edo State

What began as an ordinary evening in Auchi quickly turned into chaos as fire tore through parts of the town, leaving residents injured and livelihoods destroyed.

Several people sustained varying degrees of injuries, while properties estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of naira were damaged following a petrol tanker explosion in Auchi, the administrative headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

Reports indicate that the petrol tanker crashed along the Auchi–Okene Highway, spilling highly flammable fuel into open drainage channels across parts of the town.

Eyewitnesses said the situation escalated when leaked fuel seeped into underground passages, increasing the risk of ignition.

Moments later, the tanker reportedly caught fire.

The blaze spread rapidly through the drainage system, triggering multiple explosions in different locations, including:
• Igbe Road
• Warrake Road Junction near AP
• Surrounding residential and commercial areas

Residents trapped within the affected zones suffered injuries during the explosions, with many struggling to escape the fast-spreading flames.

Some of the injured were treated at nearby private medical facilities, while others were rushed to the General Hospital in Auchi for further care.

The Edo State Police Command confirmed the incident. According to its spokesperson, CSP Eno Ikoedem, the explosion occurred at about 6:30 p.m. after the tanker fell.

“Our officers immediately cordoned off the affected locations to ensure public safety. No fatalities have been officially recorded,” she stated.

Police operatives from the Auchi Divisional Headquarters and the Area Command were swiftly deployed to secure the area and prevent further destruction.

Reacting to the incident, Edo North Senator Adams Oshiomhole described the explosion as alarming and urged residents and motorists to exercise heightened caution, especially during the festive season when traffic and commercial activity peak.

In a statement issued by his Chief of Staff, Victor Oshioke, the senator said he had confirmed circulating reports, photos, and videos of the inferno through direct communication with local authorities.

He added that he is engaging relevant state and federal agencies, emergency management bodies, and other stakeholders to improve coordination and response mechanisms for similar emergencies in the future.