No fewer than 30 people have lost their lives, while about 40 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a tanker explosion that occurred on Tuesday in Niger State.
The tragic incident took place at Essan and Badeggi communities along the Bida–Agaie road in Katcha Local Government Area.
Eyewitnesses said the explosion happened after a fuel-laden tanker fell along the road, spilling its contents. Residents and passersby reportedly rushed to the scene to scoop fuel from the tanker before it suddenly exploded, triggering a massive fire that consumed many people.
Several victims were burnt beyond recognition, while others sustained severe burns and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Emergency responders, including officials of the Niger State Fire Service and security agencies, were said to have arrived at the scene to put out the fire and evacuate victims.
As of the time of this report, authorities have yet to issue an official casualty figure, but local sources described the incident as one of the deadliest in recent years in the area.
Meanwhile, the Niger State Government has been urged to intensify public awareness on the dangers of scooping fuel from accident scenes to prevent future tragedies.
