Several people are feared dead following a petrol tanker accident that sparked a massive fire along the Benin–Auchi Road in Edo State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, December 17, 2025, when a tanker conveying premium motor spirit (PMS) crashed, leading to a fuel spill and subsequent explosion.
Eyewitnesses said the tanker discharged petrol into drainage channels connected to nearby communities around Auchi, allowing the fire to spread rapidly through the waterways. As the flames intensified, the inferno travelled along the drainages, igniting surrounding areas and escalating the scale of destruction.
A witness revealed that casualties were recorded, although the exact number of deaths could not be immediately confirmed.
Several houses were reportedly affected by the fire, while traffic on the Benin–Auchi Road was severely disrupted. Motorists were advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes as emergency responders worked to contain the situation.
