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See the Numbers of People Dead, Cows Killed in Niger Petrol Tanker Explosion

Published by Tope Fakinlede on September 8th, 2024.

See the Numbers of People Dead, Cows Killed in Niger Petrol Tanker Explosion

By Chika Otuchikere, Minna

A tragic petrol tanker explosion in the Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State has claimed the lives of over 30 people. The incident occurred early Sunday morning when the tanker collided head-on with a trailer truck transporting both passengers and cattle from Wudil in Kano State.

According to Abdullahi Baba-Arab, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the explosion took place around 12:30 am on September 8, 2024, on the Lapai-Agaie road, approximately 2 kilometers from Dendo Community in Agaie LGA.

In addition to the human casualties, more than 50 cattle were burned alive in the fire, which also engulfed two other vehicles: a crane truck and a pickup van.

NSEMA’s statement detailed: “The explosion occurred when a petrol tanker, carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), collided with a trailer truck transporting passengers and cattle en route from Wudil to Lagos. The fire also affected a crane truck and a pickup van. Over 30 fatalities have been confirmed, and over 50 cattle perished in the blaze. NSEMA’s Rapid Response Team, along with Local Government Emergency Management Committees (LGEMCs), is actively engaged in search and rescue efforts as additional bodies remain trapped within the vehicles.”