National Telescope national telescope newspaper
A devastating tanker explosion has claimed the lives of over 70 people in Niger State, following a tragic fire that erupted at Dikko Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.
The incident occurred on Saturday morning, along Dikko-Maje Road, opposite the Baddegi Station, when a tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) crashed.
Efforts to transfer the fuel to another tanker led to a fatal explosion after the spilled fuel came in contact with a generator powering the transfer process.
The inferno quickly spread, claiming the lives of more than 70 people, many of whom were burnt beyond recognition.
Over 56 people have been injured, and several shops and properties were destroyed in the explosion. Most of the victims were members of the local community and passers-by.
Rescue operations are still ongoing as emergency teams work to evacuate the injured to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has swiftly deployed a team to the scene to assist in the rescue efforts.
The agency’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, expressed deep sympathy for the victims and condemned the mishandling of spilled fuel.
She noted the recurring tragedies linked to such careless practices and emphasized the need for better safety measures.
Despite the agency’s extensive public awareness campaigns, many continue to ignore warnings about the dangers of mishandling fuel tankers.
NEMA’s emergency response team, led by Mr. Hussaini Isah, is working closely with first responders to manage the aftermath of the explosion and assist the affected community.
The agency reiterated its commitment to public safety and emphasized the importance of continuing safety education to prevent similar incidents.
A Grim Reminder of Safety Concerns
The explosion in Niger State serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with fuel tankers and the urgent need for stringent safety protocols.
This incident follows a similar explosion in September 2024, when a petrol tanker blast along the Bida-Agaie-Lapai road killed 48 people and many livestock.
In response to the tragedy, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, expressed deep condolences to the people and government of Niger State.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Nneamaka Okafor, the Minister described the loss of life and injuries as a “heartbreaking tragedy” and extended his thoughts and prayers to the victims’ families.
Senator Lokpobiri reiterated the need for enhanced safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
He urged Nigerians to exercise extreme caution during emergencies involving petrol tankers and to avoid approaching fuel tankers after accidents, highlighting the risks associated with such actions.
The Minister confirmed that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has been directed to investigate the incident.
He also reassured the public of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving safety measures in the transportation of petroleum products, calling for greater collaboration among all stakeholders to avoid future tragedies.
“This tragedy underscores the collective responsibility we all share in ensuring safety in petroleum distribution,” Senator Lokpobiri stated.
“The government, transport operators, and citizens must work together to prioritize safety in all aspects of petroleum operations.”
He also assured the people of Niger State of the Ministry’s ongoing support during this difficult period, emphasizing the importance of safety in the petroleum sector across the nation.
