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Death Toll Rises in Niger Tanker Explosion as Petrol Continues to Spill

Published by Tope Fakinlede on January 19th, 2025.

Death Toll Rises in Niger Tanker Explosion as Petrol Continues to Spill

The death toll from the devastating petrol tanker explosion in Niger State has climbed to 86, according to local officials. On Sunday morning, FIRST CLASS GISTS reported that fuel was still leaking from the wrecked tanker, which had fallen near roadside structures.

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) provided an update, revealing that 80 of the deceased had been buried in a mass burial at Dikko Primary Healthcare (PHC). Several victims with injuries were rushed to the PHC, where one later succumbed to their injuries. Additional victims were transported to the Suleja General Hospital and Sabon Wuse General Hospital for treatment.

Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director-General of NSEMA, shared that the bodies were retrieved and buried through a joint effort involving NSEMA, the Gurara Local Government Area authorities, and volunteer groups. The mass burial took place on Saturday evening, continuing until midnight. Baba-Arah commended the volunteers who played a crucial role in recovering the bodies from the disaster site.

Kumar Tsukwam, Niger State’s Sector Commander for the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), explained that the tanker, registered KBG-103-XAX, was transporting 60,000 liters of petrol from Lagos to Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory. The tanker detached from its truck near Dikko at approximately 7 a.m., and tragically exploded two hours later, causing numerous fatalities and injuries.

When a reporter visited the scene on Sunday, it was noted that fuel was still dripping from the fallen tanker, with some people lingering nearby in the absence of security personnel. Meanwhile, scavengers were seen sifting through the remains of the fire-damaged shanties.

Hussaini Isah, the head of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Minna, assured that efforts were underway to secure the area. “We’ve alerted the police and are preparing to cordon off the site,” he stated. “The police will soon arrive to disperse the crowds.” Isah also mentioned that emergency responders, including the fire service, were on standby, and cordoning tape would be used to seal off the area to prevent further risks.