In the early hours of Thursday, at about 4 a.m., a petrol tanker trying to make a U‑turn near Oluku market on the Benin‑Lagos highway in [Edo State](https://edostate.gov.ng) overturned, spilled its load and later burst into flames, resulting in an indeterminate death toll and ten injuries, witnesses said.
**What triggered the blast?**
The tanker fell and leaked fuel onto the road and nearby drainage channels. Residents and passers‑by rushed to the scene to collect the spilling gasoline. A soldier on the spot warned that the gathering crowd could ignite the fuel. Moments after his warning, the tanker ignited, engulfing two men who were directly beneath it and setting nearby structures ablaze. Ten injured victims were swiftly taken to the [University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH)](https://ubth.gov.ng) for treatment, while the deceased were placed in the hospital mortuary.
**Eyewitness account**
One on‑scene witness recounted, “I was also among those who were scooping the fuel. I escaped by whiskers. It was a soldier who called me and drew my attention to the fact that it was sunny and the way the people rushed to scoop the fuel might ignite fire. As I looked back after he spoke to me, the tanker burst into flames as people around the area scampered for safety. I thank the soldier, if not I would have been burnt by now.” The witness added that two men directly under the tanker were burnt and that the exact number of fatalities remained unknown.
**Official response**
The [Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)](https://frsc.gov.ng) sector commander for Edo State, Preye Ezekiel Bedford, confirmed that FRSC officers, police, fire service personnel and the Edo State Traffic Management Agency were present to secure the site and manage traffic. The Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof. Idia Ize‑Iyamu, led the emergency response team across the accident, emergency and burns units, ensuring rapid medical attention for the injured.
**Further details**
Bedford remained at the scene and indicated that additional information on casualties would be released as investigations continue.