‘209 died, 68 hospitalised’ — committee submits report on Jigawa tanker explosion

Hafizu Inuwa, chairman of the investigation committee on the tanker explosion in Majia, Jigawa state, has submitted a report to Umar Namadi, governor of the state.

In October, a tanker laden with petrol exploded at Majiya town, along the Kano-Hadejia expressway in Taura LGA.

Initially, Namadi informed President Bola Tinubu that 181 people died and 210 families were affected in the explosion.

The governor subsequently constituted a committee headed by Inuwa, a deputy inspector-general of police, to find out the remote cause of the explosion and advise the government.

The report indicated that 209 persons were confirmed dead in the fire incident.

Inuwa said the findings revealed that damaged pumps, potholes, night driving and excessive speed were some of the causes of the explosion.

He said the committee engaged with key stakeholders, visited health facilities, and consulted with affected communities.

“I am saddened to inform His Excellency that the incident led to the total loss of two hundred and nine (209) lives. 38 are on admission and 61 discharged. One hundred and sixty-seven (167) families were affected. It was further discovered that the inferno resulted in the destruction of properties worth millions of naira,” he said.

“The findings revealed that several factors contributed to the fire, including damaged speed bumps and potholes near the scene, night driving, and excessive speed. It was noted that the fire likely ignited due to friction between metallic containers and hard surfaces as victims attempted to scoop spilled fuel.”

The governor commended the committee for their “timely” report and assured them that the government would review the document for “quick implementation”.

On November 13, another petrol tanker exploded along the Jigawa-Kano border in Dutse LGA of the state.

Aliyu M. A, public relations officer of the state’s fire service, said the fire was contained and brought under control.