17 feared dead in Delta tanker explosion *Only three died-Police

At least 17 persons were reportedly burnt to death in a tanker explosion near Koko junction section of the Benin/Sapele Expressway, Ethiope West council area of Delta state on Wednesday.

Four vehicles were also said to have been destroyed in the incident, which multiple sources said happened around 8am.

The Police however said only three persons died in the inferno.

The Nation learnt the petrol-laden Eveco truck was trying to manoeuvre a bad spot when it fell.

It was said to have exploded when residents of the area rushed to the scene to scoop fuel.

A reliable source said driver of the tanker had gone to report the incident and residents scooping fuel at the Police checkpoint in Koko junction when they heard the explosion.

The source said the victims, though unidentified, included a man and a woman.

A truck driver, Kola Akintayo, who witnessed part of the incident, said a vehicle, which was passing by scraped a metal while residents continued to scoop the product.