Truck explodes at Nigeria-Benin border while discharging diesel

A tanker loaded with 25,000 litres of diesel exploded on Monday at Seme, a border community between Nigeria and the Benin Republic.

The explosion occurred as the tanker was discharging its content into a reservoir.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the explosion threw people in surrounding communities on the Nigeria and Benin Republic sides of the border into panic mode.

“It made many people run helter-skelter in search of safety.

“We had a sense of relief when firemen from Badagry came with two fire engines to put the fire out," the eyewitness said.

Confirming the explosion, the spokesperson of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs Ololade Agboola, said the quick arrival of firemen at the scene prevented further damages.