At least fifteen persons died from burns after a tanker exploded in Ondo State on Sunday.

Reports claimed that a spark started the fire from a phone held by one of the persons scooping fuel that spilled from the tanker.

Three children and a pregnant mother were among the person who died.

Peter Obi expressed his regret at the situation in a statement on Twitter, saying that it exposed the inadequate safety measures that have been put in place on many of the country’s expressways.

While commiserating with the Ondo State government and bereaved families, the former Anmabra State Governor said the untold hardship in the country has forced people to risk their lives in search of survival.

He said, “I am deeply saddened by the reports of a fuel tanker explosion at Ore in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, where no fewer than 20 people lost their lives. The ugly incident exposes the poor safety measures implemented on most of our roads.

“Unfortunately, due to the untold hardship in the country, people are often willing to risk their lives, in search of means of survival. I feel sad for the lives lost to this very tragic incident.

“I commiserate with the bereaved families, the government and the people of Ondo State. May God grant eternal rest to the dead and grant quick recovery to the injured”