A devastating incident has struck Niger state in Nigeria, where a fuel tanker explosion has tragically claimed the lives of dozens of people. The catastrophe unfolded when the tanker veered off the road, overturned, and began spilling its volatile cargo.
In the immediate aftermath, residents of nearby communities rushed to the scene to collect the leaked fuel, a dangerous practice that has unfortunately become a recurring tragedy in Nigeria. Suddenly, the tanker exploded, unleashing a catastrophic inferno that engulfed the gathered individuals. Reports indicate that approximately 30 people perished instantly, while at least 40 others sustained severe injuries, suffering burns of varying degrees.
The injured have been transported to a local hospital for urgent medical attention. The sheer intensity of the blaze meant that many victims were burned beyond recognition. This heartbreaking event serves as a grim reminder of the perils associated with collecting spilled fuel, a practice that authorities continue to warn against, despite repeated awareness campaigns.
The accident took place near the Essan and Badeggi communities, along the Bida-Agaie road within the Katcha Local Government Area. Preliminary reports suggest that the poor condition of the road may have contributed to the tanker losing control and crashing. This highlights a persistent issue in Nigeria, where inadequate road infrastructure frequently leads to road traffic accidents.
Official figures on the casualties vary, with the Federal Road Safety Corps reporting at least 35 fatalities, while a local emergency management coordinator cited 29 dead and 42 injured. The National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) stated they are actively responding to the situation but have yet to confirm the exact number of people affected.
The Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, expressed his deep sorrow and condolences to the affected communities, labelling the incident as “worrisome, unfortunate and pathetic.” His press secretary conveyed the governor’s dismay at the continued disregard for safety warnings, emphasizing the need to heed awareness campaigns.
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