Tragic Tanker Blast in Niger State Claims Over 50 Lives

ACNN NEWS
2 Min Read

At least 50 people tragically lost their lives on Saturday in a petrol tanker explosion along the Dikko-Maje road, opposite the Badeggi fueling station in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State.

Mr. Kumar Tsukwam, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Commander in Niger, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna. He explained that the tanker, loaded with petrol, had overturned at the scene, leading people to scoop the spilling fuel, unaware of the imminent danger. Sadly, the flames engulfed those collecting the fuel, as well as rescuers who attempted to assist them.

Tsukwam stated that more than 50 people lost their lives in the tragic explosion. He assured the public that FRSC personnel and other emergency agencies were on the ground conducting rescue operations and working tirelessly to assist those affected.

Similarly, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), provided further details, noting that the explosion occurred around 9 a.m. on Saturday. He explained that the tragedy happened when an attempt to transfer petrol from the crashed tanker to another was underway. The fuel came into contact with a generator used in the transfer process, sparking an explosion that claimed over 50 lives, left many injured, and destroyed properties worth millions of naira.

Baba-Arah added that NSEMA, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Suleja LGA Emergency Committee, and volunteers, were actively involved in search, rescue, and recovery operations. Injured victims have been moved to nearby hospitals for treatment, while efforts to recover the bodies of the deceased are ongoing.

The public has been urged to remain calm and cooperate with emergency responders as they work to mitigate the impact of the disaster. Additional updates are expected as rescue operations continue. (NAN)

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