Another tragedy from the recurring fuel tanker explosions struck yesterday at Dikko Junction, Niger State.
Scores of residents, who rushed to the scene to scoop the content were killed while several others were injured and rushed to the hospital by rescue workers for treatment.
Officials of the rescue team, who included personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), said 60 bodies of the victims were recovered.
LEADERSHIP Sunday gathered that the explosion occurred at about 10am yesterday at Dikko Junction in Gurara local government area of the state.
The vehicle laden with 60,000 litres of petrol caught fire near a fuel station when the body detached from the head and spilled fuel on the surroundings.
Eyewitnesses said the tanker was coming from the Kaduna axis of the Abuja-Kaduna Highway when the explosion occurred.
One of the eyewitnesses said the fuel truck with registration number KBG 103 XA belonged to HMY Oil and Gas and was driven by one Mohammed Modu from Jere in Kaduna State.
Also, a shop owner at Dikko Junction, Mohammed Aliyu, told LEADERSHIP Sunday that “the fatality rate was high because some of the residents disregarded the danger warning and were scooping the product when the body of the tanker detached and the product started spilling.
“While some succeeded in scooping the product and escaped, several others were not lucky as the inferno intensified and the tanker as well as another parked near the filling station exploded simultaneously,” he said.
The sector commander of the FRSC, Kumar Tsukwam, confirmed to LEADERSHIP Sunday that 60 bodies were recovered from the spot.
He said the tanker with 60,000 litres of PMS was to be delivered in Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja when the disaster occurred
Tsukwam said the tank detached from the body of the vehicle and the product spilled leading to an explosion and intense fire that burnt the victims beyond recognition.
He said, “The body detached from its head leading to a fall of the tanker which resulted in the spilling of the fuel on the ground. A large crowd of people gathered to scoop the product despite efforts to stop them.
“Suddenly, the tanker burst into flames, engulfing another tanker. So far, 60 corpses have been recovered from the scene and the victims are mostly scavengers. The fire has been put out and gradually the road is opened to the motoring public.”
Also, the director-general of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba Arah, said the spilled PMS got in contact with a generating set that was on, thereby triggering the explosion.
He said, “At present, NSEMA in collaboration with NEMA, Suleja LGA Emergency Committee and good-hearted volunteers are carrying out search, rescue and recovery operations to rescue the injured who have been moved to the hospital for treatment and to recover the corpses of the deceased.”
Meanwhile, Governor Umaru Bago has expressed shock over the incident.
In a statement issued yesterday by his chief press secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor described the explosion as “worrisome, heartbreaking and unfortunate.”
He sympathised with the families of the victims and prayed that God would repose the souls of the departed and heal the injured.
The governor, however, cautioned the people to always be responsible and give priority to their safety.
He directed all the relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to do the needful and the security agencies to ensure security in the area.
Call Your Drivers To Order, Fire Service Boss Warns Operators
Meanwhile, the controller-general, Federal Fire Service (FFS), Engr Abdulganiyu Jaji, has challenged owners of fuel stations and tankers to call their drivers who in most cases demonstrate recklessness on major roads and bends to order.
His reaction was a response to the tanker explosion in Niger State.
While fielding questions from our LEADERSHIP Sunday, Jaji emphasied the need for a thorough review of safety protocols for fuel transportation throughout Nigeria.
He lamented the increasing incidences of gas and petrol tanker explosions, as well as filling stations across Nigeria stressing that the risk of static spark or gas explosion could spread rapidly.
Jaji also highlighted the danger associated with scooping fuel from fallen tankers, saying “it is a deadly risk,” harping that fuel vapours and leaks could ignite at any moment.
“Your life is worth more than a few litres of fuel. It is important for us to know that a spilled fuel tanker is not only dangerous but can be fatal. Fuel vapours and leaks can ignite at any moment, leading to explosions that cause severe injuries and loss of lives. Protect yourself, your family and your community – stay away from accident sites and immediately call the Federal Fire Service for a timely response,” he said.
He also urged Nigerians, especially operators of fuel stations, gas refilling plants and users of gas cylinders, to adhere strictly to safety protocols to prevent further avoidable disasters.
Governors’ Forum Mourns Victims, Urges Stricter Safety Measures
In a swift reaction, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion.
In a statement signed by the NGF chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, the forum extended its condolences to the government and people of Niger State as well as to the families affected by the disaster.
“This heartbreaking incident has cast a shadow of grief across the entire nation,” the statement read.
The NGF also called for stricter enforcement of safety measures in the transportation and handling of combustible materials to prevent similar tragedies.
“This incident is a stark reminder of the urgent need to enhance our regulatory frameworks to prevent such occurrences in the future,” Governor AbdulRazaq emphasized.
The forum commended the quick response of emergency services, first responders and security agencies in managing the aftermath of the explosion.
It also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and prioritise safety in their daily activities.
The NGF’s statement concluded with prayers for the injured, wishing them a swift recovery, and for the souls of the departed, hoping that their families find the strength to endure the profound loss.
This devastating incident has reignited calls for comprehensive safety reforms across Nigeria’s transport sector to avert future tragedies.
On October 16, 2024, an overturned fuel tanker exploded in Majia Town, Jigawa State, killing over 180 people.
Similarly, four people were killed when a petrol tanker exploded in Agbor, Delta State, early this month.
It involved a fallen 33,000-litre diesel tanker in Agbor in Ika South local government area of the state.
