UPDATED: OVER 50 DIE IN NIGER PETROL TANKER EXPLOSION - FRSC

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At least 50 people tragically lost their lives on Saturday following a petrol tanker explosion along Dikko-Maje Road in Suleja Local Government Area, Niger State.

Several others sustained injuries of varying severity while attempting to collect fuel that had spilled onto the road from the overturned tanker.

Kumar Tsukwam, the state’s Federal Road Safety Commander, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria in Minna, the state capital.

He explained that a fully loaded petrol tanker had overturned at the location, and individuals gathered to scoop the leaking fuel, unaware of the looming risk.

Tsukwam said those who went to scoop fuel were engulfed by the flames, just as those who went to rescue them were also affected.

He said, “More than 50 people lost their lives in the tragic incident.”

He, however, assured all that personnel of the corps and other sister agencies were on the ground for the rescue mission.

Tsukwam confirmed that his team was actively on the ground, working diligently to rescue those who were trapped.

In a similar vein, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, disclosed that the explosion occurred around 9 a.m. on Saturday.

He explained that the incident took place when a tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) crashed, and an attempt was made to transfer its contents to another tanker.

According to Baba-Arah, during the transfer process, the PMS came into contact with a generator being used, resulting in an explosion that claimed over 50 lives.

He further noted that several individuals sustained injuries, and properties worth millions of Naira were destroyed in the disaster.

Baba-Arah said NSEMA, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Suleja LGA Emergency Committee, and volunteers, are currently carrying out search, rescue, and recovery operations.

He said, “Those injured have been moved to the hospital for treatment while efforts are being made to recover the corpses of the deceased.”

He urged residents of the area to remain calm and cooperate with emergency responders as they work to mitigate the effects of the disaster.

Bologi Ibrahim, the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Mohammed Bago, who was on the governor’s entourage to Suleja and Tafa Local Government Areas to inspect the government’s projects, confirmed the incident to our correspondent.

Ibrahim stated that the governor called for caution from road users.

He said the governor expressed shock at the incident and called on security agents to ensure there was adequate security while other humanitarian agents were working to restore normalcy in the area.

“Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, expresses shock over a tanker explosion that claimed several lives in Dikko junction, around the Abuja-Kaduna expressway.

“The governor describes the explosion as worrisome, heartbreaking and unfortunate. He specifically sympathises with the families of the victims of the explosion and prays that Allah will repose the souls of the departed and heal the injured. The governor, however, cautioned the people to always be responsible and give priority to their safety.

“He directed all the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to do what is necessary while urging security agents to ensure security in the area.

“A Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol tanker, was said to have exploded at Dikko junction this morning, after which some residents of the area went to scoop its content.

“Scores were said to have been burnt to death, while several others sustained various degrees of burnt,” he stated.