The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has activated the NEMA Benin Operations Office to coordinate emergency response efforts following a tanker fire incident along the Auchi–Jattu Road in Auchi, Edo State.
The incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 17 December 2025, when a tanker reportedly lost control and overturned, leading to the spillage of its contents into an underground drainage system. The spillage subsequently triggered multiple explosions at different points along the drainage channel, causing panic among residents in the affected area.
Following a distress call from the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the NEMA Benin Operations Office was immediately mobilised. The office commenced coordination with Edo SEMA, the Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC), the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), and military authorities in Auchi to contain and manage the situation.
Preliminary reports indicate that no fatalities were recorded as of the time of this report. However, a total of 25 persons sustained varying degrees of injuries and were promptly evacuated to medical facilities within Auchi and surrounding areas for treatment.
At the Teaching Hospital, three male victims were admitted, including two with lacerations and one with third-degree burns. Amazing Grace Clinic, Water Board, treated 12 victims, 10 males and two females, comprising eight burn cases ranging from first to third degree, one case of shock, and three cases of lacerations. Four male victims with lacerations were treated, stitched, and discharged at Unique Medical Centre, Obe Street.
At City Hospital, Warrake Road, two victims, a father and daughter, were admitted with deep cuts, lacerations, and minor burns. Winners Hospital, Olele Junction, treated four male victims, including one with third-degree burns, one with a head injury and nasal bleeding, and two others with minor bruises.
NEMA said it is continuing to monitor the situation closely in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective coordination, adequate medical care for the injured, and a timely response to any emerging needs.
Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
