By Kamil Opeyemi
The Ondo State Government has described a tanker explosion which occurred along Benin–Ore-Sagamu Expressway on Sunday, as “tragic and unfortunate”.
The explosion reportedly killed no fewer than eight people while several others sustained various degrees of injuries.
In a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information Orientation Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, the government expressed grief for the victims of the explosion.
“With deep regrets and sadness, we mourn the tragic death of our fellow citizens in an explosion from a fuel-laden tanker at Ore, in Odigbo local government.
“The government and people of the state are devastated by this unfortunate tragedy, which is not only gripping but mind-numbing. It is a tragedy that should not have occurred. Our hearts go out to the victims of the fuel tanker explosion and their families. This is a horrendous way to die. We are shocked and traumatized as we express the depth of our grief for the victims of the explosion.
“The state would reach out to the victims’ families who are affected by these avoidable deaths. Whatever circumstances that led to this unfortunate incident must be discouraged. This is one tragedy too many and it is our joint responsibility to ensure this does not happen again. May God grant repose to the souls of the departed and succour to their families,” the statement read