At least five persons were killed when a tanker ladened with petrol lost control and burst into flames on Sunday afternoon in Delta State.

The accident occurred in the Agbor Ika South Local Government Area of the state.

Residents of the area were seen in viral videos scampering for safety as the raging fire devoured the tanker and nearby buildings and structures.

Emergency responders are expected to commence rescue operations.

In October 2024, a fuel tanker explosion in Jigawa State killed more than 170 people, with scores injured.

Tanker explosions occurred in Nigeria at a time when petrol has become a precious commodity in Africa’s most populous country, which is suffering its worst economic crisis in a generation.

Many are struggling to get access to gasoline, as its price has spiked more than fivefold since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office in May 2023.

Inflation has been peaking at more than 30 per cent for months, reaching an almost three-decade high of over 34 per cent in June, down to 32.7 per cent in September.

More than half — 56 per cent — of Nigerians are living under the poverty line, up from 40 per cent in 2018, according to a World Bank report.

At least 59 people died in September when a fuel tanker collided with a truck carrying passengers and cattle in northwestern Niger state.