Tanker explosion claims over 50 lives in Nigeria

On January 18, a devastating petrol tanker explosion claimed the lives of no fewer than 50 people along the Dikko-Maje road, opposite the Badeggi fuelling station in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Commander in Niger, Mr. Kumar Tsukwam, confirmed the tragic incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

According to Tsukwam, the explosion occurred after a loaded petrol tanker overturned, spilling fuel at the scene. Tragically, individuals who rushed to scoop the spilling petrol were caught unaware of the impending danger.

"In the process, flames engulfed those scooping the fuel, and those who attempted to rescue them were also affected," Tsukwam said, adding that over 50 people lost their lives. He assured that personnel from the FRSC and other sister agencies were at the scene, working tirelessly on rescue operations.

The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, also provided details on the incident, which occurred around 9 a.m. He explained that the explosion was triggered during an attempt to transfer fuel from the crashed tanker to another. The fuel reportedly came into contact with a generator being used for the transfer, leading to a massive explosion.

“The explosion claimed over 50 lives, left many others injured, and destroyed properties worth millions of Naira,” Baba-Arah said.

Emergency response teams, including NSEMA, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Suleja LGA Emergency Committee, and local volunteers, have been carrying out search, rescue, and recovery operations. Injured victims have been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, while efforts are underway to recover the bodies of the deceased.

Baba-Arah urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with emergency responders as they continue their efforts to mitigate the effects of the disaster.

By Khagan Isayev