Fuel Tanker Fire: Okowa Visits Disaster Scene, Promises Assistance to Victims

Delta State governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has called for immediate investigation of the explosion of two trucks conveying petroleum products in Ohoror community, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state, which razed no fewer than 25 houses and destroyed valuables worth millions of naira. The incident, which occurred Wednesday night in the community located along the Warri-Port Harcourt Expressway, reportedly claimed two lives.
Speaking when he visited the scene of the incident on Thursday, Governor Okowa commiserated with the community on the tragedy and assured that government would take steps to cushion its effect on victims.
The governor, who was conducted round the affected area by the chairman of Ughelli North Council, Godwin Adode, said that no effort would be spared in putting out the fire completely and directed 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, were evacuated.

Accompanied by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Sherrif Oborevwori, and Secretary to the State Government, Patrick Ukah, the governor commended the Fire Service for prompt response and advised the community to keep off 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.
Briefing the governor earlier, the state’s Director of Fire Services, Eugene Oziwele, said his men were alerted at dawn, and he quickly mobilised to the community, adding that the fire-fighting trucks were mobolised from Ughelli to ensure that the fire was extinguished completely.

Also briefing the governor, President-General of Uwheru Kingdom, Macpherson Igbedi, said that no fewer than 20 houses were gutted by fire and appealed for more efforts in evacuating an abandoned tanker laden with gas from exploding. He explained that two trucks conveying gas and diesel rammed into each other at the Ohoror junction before the explosion occurred.

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