Godwin Udoh
The Governor Sheriff Oborevwor of Delta has directed the State Ministry of Health, the State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant authorities to expedite action by providing the much-needed immediate support to all victims of the gas tanker explosion in Agbor yesterday Sunday 5th December, 2025.
The devastating tragedy struck in Agbor, the administrative headquarter of Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State as four individuals were burnt to death and three others sustained various degrees of injuries in a catastrophic diesel explosion.
In commiserating with the Ika South Local Government and people of the area on the tragedy, which resulted in the loss of lives and property, the Governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, described the fire incident as horrifying and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured and fortitude to those bereaved in the unfortunate incident.
The Governor commended the Fire Service, the good people of Ika South Local Government and security agencies who rallied round to put out the inferno and their dedication to assisting those affected by the fire incident.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday January 5, 2025, under harrowing circumstances, due to brake failure of the diesel laden tanker, has sent shockwaves through the local community, leaving families grieving and survivors grappling with the aftermath.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the explosion erupted suddenly, after the tanker fell close to First Bank while the driver was trying to make a turn on the ever-busy Old Lagos/Asaba Road that runs through Agbor main town, engulfing the area in flames and chaos, as several properties including vehicles destroyed by the fire.
As emergency services, State Fire Service, rushed to the scene, the extent of the damage became painfully clear, highlighting the dire need for enhanced safety measures in handling volatile substances.
However, the heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with fuel handling and the critical importance of preventive measures.
It would be recall in January 22, 2021 were four persons also died and 11 hospitalised in the same Agbor, following an explosion at a gas plant.