Fireball At Oluku Market: Tanker Inferno Leaves Destruction In Its Wake

A tanker crash sparked a devastating fire at Oluku Market in Benin City on Thursday morning, destroying shops, vehicles and goods along the Benin–Lagos Expressway.

Several people were reportedly injured as flames swept through the area. Traders said the blaze consumed food supplies and other merchandise worth millions of naira, leaving many business owners facing severe losses.

Witnesses said some people approached the overturned tanker to collect leaking fuel before it ignited—a dangerous move that can turn a spill into a deadly fire. Videos shared online showed thick smoke rising above the market as flames engulfed nearby businesses and vehicles.

The fire reportedly burned for nearly five hours. Residents and traders expressed anger and distress over what they described as a slow response from the fire service, renewing concerns about emergency readiness and access to firefighting support.

The disaster also highlights the risks around tanker crashes: spilled fuel can ignite from even a small spark, particularly when people gather near the vehicle.

The Oluku incident comes less than two weeks after a diesel tanker caught fire near the Odukpani Local Government Secretariat in Cross River State. That incident reportedly killed two people and left others seriously injured, adding to calls for stronger measures to prevent tanker-related tragedies.

Firefighters must respond swiftly whenever communities call for help, as every minute can make a difference in an emergency. It is heartbreaking to see traders lose their shops, goods and livelihoods to the blaze. We sincerely sympathise with the people of Oluku and hope those affected receive the support they need as they begin to recover from this devastating loss.