50 dead as petrol tanker explodes in Niger community

At least 50 people have reportedly died in a petrol tanker explosion that occurred around Dikko junction in Gurara LGA of Niger state.

Several other people sustained varying degrees of injuries in the accident on Saturday.

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the casualty figures.

Abdullahi Baba, NSEMA director-general, said the tanker ignited when the driver was trying to transfer the spilled content into another tanker.

“The incident occurred when a tanker loaded with PMS crashed, and an attempt was made by the drivers to transfer its contents to a second tanker,” he said.

“In the process, the spilling PMS came in contact with a generator that was used to power the transfer process, triggering an explosion of flames that has caused over 50 death injured many and destroyed properties estimated in millions.”

Reacting to the incident, Umar Bago, governor of Niger, in a statement by Bologi Ibrahim, his spokesperson, expressed shock over the explosion, describing it as “worrisome, heartbreaking and unfortunate”.

Bago sympathised with families of explosion victims, praying for the departed souls’ rest and the injured’s healing.

The governor directed all relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to take necessary actions and urged security agents to ensure safety, while cautioning residents to prioritise their safety.

Earlier in the month, at least two people reportedly died in a petrol tanker explosion in Agbor Town in Ika LGA of Delta state.

The tanker was said to have exploded near the Orogodo River along the old Lagos-Asaba expressway after the driver lost control of the vehicle.

In November 2023, a tanker explosion was recorded at Jigawa-Kano border in Dutse LGA of Jigawa state.

In October, a tanker explosion occurred in Majia town, Taura LGA of Jigawa when an articulated petrol vehicle spilled its contents after tipping over.

Many residents stormed the scene with buckets and jerrycans. An explosion ensued and more than 140 people were burnt to death.