Explosion as tanker falls in Benin market, several injured

.Lagos announces Independence Bridge diversion ahead of repairs

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Chris Akhabue, Edo with agency report
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‎A fire outbreak following a petroleum tanker accident at Oluku Market in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday morning has left several people injured, with fears that many may have lost their lives.
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‎The incident occurred when a petroleum tanker reportedly lost control and overturned near the market buildings, spilling its contents onto the surrounding area.
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‎Following the accident, residents rushed to the scene with jerry cans and other containers to scoop spilled petroleum product, exposing themselves to the risk of a possible fire outbreak.
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‎Champion Newspaper gathered that the situation took a tragic turn hours after the fuel spill, when a fire erupted and spread towards nearby market structures, triggering panic among residents and traders.
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‎Although the full extent of the destruction was yet to be established at the time of filing this report, the incident was feared to have resulted in multiple casualties.
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‎The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Edo State, Beford Preye Ezekiel, said the command could not immediately confirm the exact number of casualties.
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‎He, however, disclosed that some of the victims had been transferred to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for medical attention.
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‎Meanwhile, the management of UBTH has activated emergency response services to attend to victims of the tanker explosion and ensuing fire.
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‎The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, was reportedly seen personally coordinating medical personnel at the accident and emergency unit, as well as the burns unit, to ensure prompt treatment for victims with severe injuries.
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‎An eyewitness from Oluku Community, who spoke to journalists on the condition of anonymity said the inferno destroyed several goods and properties worth millions of naira.
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‎As emergency responders continued their efforts, the exact cause of the fire, the number of casualties and the total value of property destroyed remained unclear at the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has announced a traffic diversion on the Independence Bridge in Lagos Island as the Federal Ministry of Works begins urgent asphalt repairs on the bridge.

The repair works are scheduled to commence on Friday, October 16, 2026, at night and continue throughout Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, 2026.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun, said the repairs would affect both the inbound and outbound lanes of the bridge, with traffic management measures put in place to minimise inconvenience to motorists.

According to the government, the exercise will involve the partial closure of each section of the bridge at a time, while one lane will remain open to allow motorists to access their destinations.

“The Lagos State Government wishes to inform the public that traffic will be diverted on the Independence Bridge in Lagos Island as the Federal Ministry of Works commences urgent repairs of the bridge,” the statement said.

The government urged motorists to plan their journeys ahead of the repair works and consider alternative routes to reach their destinations during the period.

“Motorists are urged to plan their movement and make use of alternative routes to connect their desired destinations for the duration of the repairs,” the statement added.

To ensure the smooth movement of vehicles, officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will be deployed to manage traffic around the affected sections of the bridge.

The government said the officers would work to minimise delays and ease movement for motorists throughout the repair period.

“Motorists are implored to remain patient, obey traffic laws, and cooperate fully with the interventions made available,” the statement said.

Motorists travelling through Lagos Island and surrounding areas have been advised to allow extra time for their journeys and comply with traffic instructions while the repair works last.

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