Baba-Arah confirmed that more than 50 people died in the tanker explosion, while several others sustained injuries. Properties worth millions of Naira were also destroyed. Emergency responders, including officials from NSEMA, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and local emergency committees, are currently conducting search, rescue, and recovery operations.
Suleja, Niger State – Tragedy struck on Saturday morning as over 50 people lost their lives in a petrol tanker explosion along the Dikko-Maje road, opposite Badeggi Fuelling Station, in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident occurred when a petrol tanker, loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), overturned and spilled its contents. According to Kumar Tsukwam, the Federal Road Safety Commander (FRSC) in Niger State, the explosion happened as people gathered to scoop the spilling fuel, unaware of the danger. Flames engulfed both those scooping the fuel and rescuers who tried to assist them.
The explosion, which reportedly occurred around 9 a.m., has left a trail of destruction. Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), explained that the incident was triggered when efforts were made to transfer the PMS to another tanker. The fuel reportedly came into contact with a generator being used for the transfer, sparking the deadly blast.
Baba-Arah confirmed that more than 50 people died in the explosion, while several others sustained injuries. Properties worth millions of Naira were also destroyed. Emergency responders, including officials from NSEMA, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and local emergency committees, are currently conducting search, rescue, and recovery operations.
Victims who sustained injuries have been taken to hospitals for treatment, while efforts to recover the bodies of the deceased are ongoing. Personnel from the FRSC and other agencies remain at the scene to coordinate rescue and recovery efforts.
Baba-Arah has urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with emergency responders as they work to mitigate the impact of the tragedy. Further updates are expected as the response operation continues.
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