At least nine students of Army Children Primary School, Effurun, Uvwie council area of Delta state, have reportedly died after a petrol-laden tanker ran into them on Thursday afternoon.
Several others were reportedly rushed to the military hospital located inside the General David Ejoor Barracks, Effurun and Central Hospital, Warri.
It was learnt the incident occurred by a link road opposite the Army Barracks.
It was gathered 12 pupils were rushed to the Central Hospital, Warri from which nine were confirmed dead on arrival.
The other three were reportedly referred to the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara after being stabilised.
The students were said to be returning home after school hours, when the unfortunate incident occurred.
Three of the deceased pupils are siblings.
A combined team of the Nigerian Army, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other security agencies made efforts to recover other pupils believed to be trapped under the tanker.
Firefighters were equally drafted to the scene to prevent fire outbreak.
Delta Police spokesman, DSP Bright Edafe, confirmed the death of six pupils, noting the number is “tentative”.
He added the whereabouts of the driver were not known.