The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has activated the Agency’s Benin Operations Office to coordinate emergency response following a tanker fire along the Auchi–Jattu Road in Edo State.
The incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday when a tanker reportedly lost control and fell, spilling its contents into an underground drainage system. The spillage triggered multiple explosions at different points along the drainage channel, causing panic in the area.
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NEMA said it received a distress call from the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), prompting immediate deployment of its Benin office to work with Edo SEMA, the Local Emergency Management Committee, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, and military authorities in Auchi.
Preliminary reports indicate that no fatalities were recorded. However, 25 persons sustained varying degrees of injuries and were evacuated to medical facilities within Auchi and surrounding areas.
Three male victims were admitted at the Teaching Hospital with lacerations and burns, while 12 others were treated at Amazing Grace Clinic for burn injuries, shock, and lacerations. Four injured persons received treatment at Unique Medical Centre and were discharged. At City Hospital, two family members were admitted with cuts and minor burns, while four others were treated at Winners Hospital for burns, head injuries, and bruises.
NEMA said it is continuing to monitor the situation in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective coordination, adequate medical care for the injured, and swift response to any emerging needs.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
