The Edo State Police Command has confirmed a tanker explosion that shook Auchi, the administrative headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area, on Wednesday evening.
Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Eno Ikoedem, said the incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. when a fuel-laden tanker overturned along a major road. Fuel from the tanker seeped into underground drains and later ignited, causing three separate explosions at different points across the Auchi community.
“Thanks to prompt action by our officers from the Auchi Divisional Police Headquarters and Area Command, the affected areas were cordoned off immediately, and no casualties were recorded”, Ikoedem said.
The blasts, which occurred simultaneously at multiple locations, reportedly caused property damage valued in the millions of naira.
Residents said the explosions affected areas including Igbei Road, Igbo Shade, and the Auchi–Okene Road near Winners Junction. They described the blasts as alarming and called for a thorough investigation to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Authorities confirmed that emergency response teams, including the Fire Service and local disaster management units, were deployed to the scene to contain the fire and prevent further escalation.
Traffic in the affected areas was temporarily diverted to allow rescue and containment operations to proceed safely. CSP Ikoedem also advised residents to remain vigilant and avoid the affected zones until the situation is fully stabilised.
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