Benin — Three persons have been reportedly killed when a petrol tanker fell into Ovia River in Edo State. Those killed were occupants of the tanker carrying kerosene from Warri to Lagos.

It was gathered that the tanker plunged into the river on Friday but rescue operation started on Saturday after one of the bodies was sighted floating on the river.

Benin Tollgate Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps Adewale Ameen confirmed the incident, saying they were not aware of the incident until the body of one of the victims was seen.

Adewale stated that a NUPENG identity card was found on the victim and upon inquiry, they learnt that there were other victims under the river, saying NUPENG officials informed them about the tanker and the victims.

He said rescue operation commenced on Saturday and they were able to bring out the engine and chassis of the tanker including the two other bodies.

"The tanker is still inside the river with 33,000 litres of kerosene. The tanker loaded from Warri plunged into the river. There was no trace until one of the bodies floated out on Saturday."