Tanker explosion claims many lives, destroys several vehicles in hold-up in Edo State (Graphic Video)

A midnight tanker explosion claimed many lives and destroyed many vehicles in Ologbo community in Edo State on Saturday.

An eye-witness claimed that at least 20 persons were burnt to death in the incident which happened after a tanker fell at a failed portion of the Benin-Sapele road.

The tanker was carrying about 30,000 litres of fuel.

It was gathered that the tanker fell and spilt its content on the road and some persons rushed to scoop fuel despite being warned by drivers and security men who had stormed the scene after they learnt of the accident.

An eyewitness said: “We tried to prevent them but the youths threatened to beat us up telling us it’s their community. They came in their numbers, carrying all sorts of containers; and when the explosion happened around 12:15 a.m. this morning we all fled.

As I speak some dead bodies have been removed, I counted over 20 bodies.”

Watch a clip from the scene here.