NSIB Begins Investigation Into Jigawa Tanker Explosion

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), on Thursday, said it has launched investigation into the petrol tanker explosion at Majia town, Taura local government area of Jigawa State.

LEADERSHIP reports that the tragic incident happened on late Tuesday, October 16, 2024, resulting in the death of over 100 people and leaving many severely injured.

A press statement by the director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, Bimbo Oladeji, said the incident happened around 11pm when a petrol tanker, from Kano State en route Nguru in Yobe State, lost control and crashed, spilling its inflammable contents.

She, however, disclosed that as residents gathered to scoop the fuel, the tanker exploded, resulting in a massive inferno.

“In line with our mandate to investigate accidents across all transportation sectors, the NSIB has deployed a go-team of experts to investigate the accident. The team will assess the circumstances surrounding the crash and the explosion to identify causal factors and provide safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this devastating accident. The NSIB is committed to uncovering the cause of the explosion and ensuring that safety lessons are learned,” the statement quoted Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of the NSIB as saying.

Oladeji, however, reiterated the danger of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, saying it’s very dangerous and poses grave dangers.

“Further updates on the investigation will be communicated as the NSIB team gathers and analyses evidence from the scene. In the meantime, citizens are reminded of the grave danger posed by scooping fuel from tanker accidents and are urged to avoid such scenes,” she stated.