Explosions Rock Auchi as Fuel Tanker Incident Triggers Blasts
December 18, 2025
Multiple explosions rocked Auchi, the administrative headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, on Wednesday evening, causing widespread panic and destruction of property.
The explosions occurred at about 6:30 p.m. in three different locations across the town. The first blast was reported along Igbei Road, the second at the Igbo Shade area near an AP filling station, while the third occurred along the Auchi–Okene Road, close to Winners Junction.
Eyewitnesses said the explosions happened almost simultaneously, raising fears of a coordinated incident. Several buildings and shops were damaged across the affected areas, with property losses estimated to run into millions of naira.
As of the time of filing this report, the number of casualties, if any, had not been confirmed.
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the incident as alarming and called for a thorough investigation to prevent a recurrence. The eyewitness initially suspected the explosions were a deliberate attack on the community.
Meanwhile, a fuel tanker reportedly fell along the expressway shortly before the explosions, spilling fuel and attracting residents who attempted to scoop it.
The situation prompted the intervention of the Police Area Commander in Auchi, who deployed officers to disperse the crowd and prevent a potential inferno.
Confirming the explosions, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the incident followed the fall of a fuel tanker along the road.
According to her, the spilled fuel seeped into underground tunnels and later ignited, resulting in three explosions in different parts of the Auchi community.
She added that officers from the Auchi Divisional Police Headquarters and the Area Command were swiftly mobilised to cordon off the affected areas, a move that helped prevent loss of lives.
Police said investigations were ongoing to fully assess the extent of damage and ensure public safety across the community.
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