By Austin Ogwuda
FRESH fact has emerged to the effect that a 16-year-old Secondary Schoolgirl and her mother trapped in their apartment were among those who lost their lives in the ill-fated petrol tanker fire that occurred at Ometan community, Delta State, Nigeria few days ago.
Several private and business buildings within the accident scene including a complex belonging to an oil company, vehicles and other valuables were also razed apart from the human casualties, which death toll hovers between eight and ten.
The exact number of casualties was yet to be ascertained but the Delta State Police Commissioner CP Abaniwonda Adeoye, on Sunday, despatched an Investigative team led by a Deputy Commissioner of Police DSP Aina Adesola to the scene of the accident for proper investigation into the incident.
On arrival the team took eye-witnesses account from the pretty traders and artisans operating along the vicinity of the accident scene on Warri – Sapele expressway.
It was reported immediately the news broke that the said petrol tanker loaded with the product fell on the road when the head of the tanker suddenly detached and caught fire.
Fielding questions with newsmen at the scene of the incident, DCP Adesola, said they were in the area on a fact-finding mission based on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda, in order to ascertain the actual cause of the accident.
His words, “My Oga, (CP Abaniwonda), expressed his sincere sympathy with the families who lost their loved ones in this tragic incident and pray God to console each and everyone of them at a time like this. Just as we pray that God replenishes those who lost their property in this unfortunate occurrence”.
He was accompanied by the Sapele Area Commander and Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Orerokpe and some Aides to the Delta State Governor.
They include; Chief Anthony Onoriode Ofoni, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Community Development and Prince Godwin Ejiyeren, Director General (DG) Warri-Uvwie Environs Special Area Development Agency (WEDA) among others.
*Caption; The Leader of Police Investigating team, DCP Aina Adesola and other Aides to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, including some Community leaders from Okpe Council area inspecting damaged property in the area.
*Photo credit/additional report to Spade Nigeria News
