Tragedy struck in Niger State on Tuesday when a petrol tanker exploded along the Bida–Agaie highway, claiming at least 31 lives and leaving many others injured.
The incident occurred after residents rushed to scoop fuel from the overturned tanker.
In a statement released by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, the explosion happened around 2:40 p.m. near Essa Village in Katcha Local Government Area.
“There was a lone tanker vehicle accident along the Bida/Agaie highway, and as a result, the tanker conveying PMS fell by the roadside,” Abiodun said.
He explained that moments after the crash, people from nearby communities gathered to collect the spilled fuel, which suddenly ignited and led to a massive fire.
“Unfortunately, members of the public living around Essa Village via Katcha rushed to the scene and were scooping PMS, and in the process, the tanker suddenly engulfed in inferno.
Forty-eight persons were affected by the fire, and among these victims, thirty-one persons lost their lives while others are still receiving treatment in various nearby hospitals.
Three motorcycles were also burnt,” he stated.
Abiodun noted that security agencies were swiftly deployed to assist in the rescue efforts, while investigations had commenced to trace the driver and owner of the vehicle.
“Teams of policemen and other security agencies were moved to the scene for a rescue operation. Further investigation is ongoing to identify the driver and the owner of the said tanker,” he added.
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In a separate report, the Niger State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Aishatu Sa’adu, said 35 people were feared dead, while 46 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
She confirmed that the injured victims were taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, with assistance from villagers, FRSC officers, and good Samaritans.
Sa’adu also cautioned Nigerians against the dangerous practice of scooping fuel from accident sites, warning that such actions often lead to fatal consequences.
“It is God that gives wealth. People should avoid greed and be content with what God has given them,” she said.
An eyewitness told the News Agency of Nigeria that the incident occurred around 11 a.m. near Essan and Badeggi communities along the Bida–Agaie road in Katcha Local Government Area.