December 18, (THEWILL) — The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 25 persons sustained varying degrees of injuries following multiple explosions triggered by a fuel tanker accident on Wednesday evening in Auchi, Edo State.
Sources familiar with the incident told THEWILL that the explosions occurred in three different locations within Auchi, with the first blast reported along Igbei Road, the second at the Igbo Shade area near an AP filling station, and the third along the Auchi–Okene Road close to Winners Junction.
The Edo State Police Command attributed the incident to fuel spillage from a tanker that reportedly lost control and fell, leading to the discharge of its contents.
Videos circulating on social media showed residents scooping the spilled fuel shortly before the explosions.
In a statement issued on its official X handle on Thursday, NEMA clarified that contrary to initial reports, no fatalities were recorded. However, 25 persons sustained injuries ranging from burns to lacerations.
According to the agency, the incident occurred at about 8:00 pm when the spilled fuel flowed into an underground drainage system and later ignited at several points along the channel, triggering multiple explosions and causing panic in the area.
Following a distress call from the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the NEMA Benin Operations Office was immediately activated and coordinated response efforts with Edo SEMA, the Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC), the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), and military authorities in Auchi.
NEMA disclosed that the injured victims were promptly evacuated to various medical facilities within Auchi and its environs for treatment.
“At the Teaching Hospital, three male victims were admitted, including two with lacerations and one with a third-degree burn.
“At Amazing Grace Clinic, Water Board, twelve victims—ten males and two females—were treated for injuries including first to third-degree burns, shock, and lacerations.
“At Unique Medical Centre, Obe Street, four male victims with lacerations were treated, stitched, and discharged.
“At City Hospital, Warrake Road, two victims—a father and daughter—were admitted with deep cuts, lacerations, and minor burns.
“At Winners Hospital, Olele Junction, four male victims were treated, including one with a third-degree burn, one with a head injury and bleeding from the nostrils, and two others with minor bruises,” the statement said.
NEMA added that it is monitoring the situation in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective coordination, adequate medical care for the injured, and timely response to any emerging needs, assuring that further updates would be provided as the situation unfolds.
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