Tanker explosions have become a recurring tragedy across Nigeria, often resulting from poor road conditions, reckless driving, or inadequate safety measures.
Minna, Nigeria – A devastating tanker explosion in Niger State has claimed the lives of seven individuals and destroyed farmlands, officials have confirmed. The incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday in Karamin Rami village, Mashegu Local Government Area.
According to eyewitness accounts, the tragedy unfolded when a fuel-laden tanker lost control while attempting to navigate a deteriorated section of the road. The tanker overturned, spilling its contents, which flowed into a nearby stream where several farmers were tending to their rice fields.
Tragically, the highly flammable substance mixed with water from the farmers’ pumping machines, igniting a fire that resulted in an explosion. The blaze rapidly spread across the farmland, engulfing the rice fields and fruit vegetation, leaving destruction in its wake.
The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed the identities of the deceased as Rafiatu Sahabi, Ramlat Shehu, Rashida Abdullahi, Raliya Abdulrahman, Zainab Ahmed, Zuwaira Idrisu, and Maryam A. Nura. Additionally, one person, Maimuna Isah, sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical attention at Saho Rami Primary Health Care Centre.
Similar Incidents in Nigeria
Tanker explosions have become a recurring tragedy across Nigeria, often resulting from poor road conditions, reckless driving, or inadequate safety measures.
In January 2024, a similar incident occurred in Lagos State when a petrol tanker crashed and exploded along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway. The fire claimed multiple lives, destroyed vehicles, and caused extensive damage to nearby businesses.
Earlier, in December 2023, another tanker explosion was recorded in Ogun State along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The inferno resulted in several casualties and widespread property loss.
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