Tragedy hits Niger as over 50 die in petrol tanker explosion

The incident occurred at 9am along Dikko-Maje Road in the Suleja Local Government Area of the state on Saturday.

It was gathered  that the petrol tanker fell, spilled it’s content and the victims were trying to scoop its fuel.

According to the state Federal Road Safety Commander, Kumar Tsukwam, the victims were unaware of the danger of scooping fuel from a fallen tanker and in the process the tanker exploded and burnt them including those who had attempted to rescue them.

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

He further said men of the FRSC rushed to the scene on a rescue mission to save those still trapped.

Also, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, while speaking on the incident said owners of the tanker were making attempts to transfer the fuel to another tanker when the people came and were scooping it leading to the explosion.

He further said the contents came into contact with a generator they were using to transfer the fuel, adding that the injured have been taken to the hospital for treatment.

The State Governor, Mohammed Bago has however called for caution while expressing shock at the news of the incident. He also called on security agents to return normalcy to the area while expressing sympathy with families of the deceased.

“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,” said Bologi Ibrahim, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor.