A tragic petrol tanker explosion on Saturday along Dikko-Maje Road in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State has claimed the lives of over 50 people, with many others injured.
The accident occurred when a petrol tanker fell and began leaking fuel. Residents, unaware of the danger, gathered to scoop the spilled fuel. Sadly, a fire erupted, engulfing those present and even affecting rescuers.
Kumar Tsukwam, the Federal Road Safety Commander, confirmed the incident, stating, “More than 50 people have died in this tragedy.” Emergency teams, including the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), are actively involved in rescue efforts.
According to NSEMA’s Director General, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the explosion happened around 9 a.m. as workers tried to transfer the fuel to another tanker. The use of a generator for the transfer caused a spark, leading to the devastating fire.
Properties worth millions of Naira were also destroyed in the blast. Injured victims have been hospitalised, while authorities continue recovery efforts.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago expressed deep sadness over the incident, urging residents to prioritise safety and avoid dangerous practices like fuel scooping. He directed state agencies to support the affected families and restore order.
This heartbreaking event underscores the need for heightened safety awareness around fuel transportation and emergencies.