At least 40 people have been confirmed dead and several others seriously injured in a fuel tanker explosion.
The horrible incident occurred along Bida-Agaie Road in Katcha Local Government Area in Niger State, Nigeria on Tuesday, October 21.
According to reports, the tanker skidded off the road and overturned at the Essan and Badeggu communities. Moments later, as residents gathered to scoop fuel from the leaking tanker, it suddenly exploded, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, issued a statement confirming the tragedy.
“The explosion, which happened around 3:45 p.m. along the Bida–Badegi–Agaie road, claimed 39 lives and left over 60 persons with severe burns, including men, women, and children. The victims were reportedly among those attempting to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker when the explosion occurred,” the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said.
Many victims were burnt beyond recognition, while the injured were treated at nearby hospitals in the area. NEMA officials cautioned residents against scooping fuel from accident tankers to avoid such kinds of incidents.
While commiserating with the victims and families affected, the NEMA Director General warned members of the public to desist from scooping fuel from accident tankers, stressing that such acts have repeatedly led to avoidable loss of lives. She further advised residents and motorists to stay clear of accident scenes and promptly report such incidents to emergency agencies for professional handling,” the officials said. In his statement, Ademyemi sent his condolences to all families affected by the tragic incident.
“The Controller General, Federal Fire Service, Dr. Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, FCNA, ACTI, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion that claimed 40 lives and left another 40 persons with various degrees of injuries along the Essa and Badeggi communities, between Bida and Agaie Road, in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State. CGF Adeyemi, on behalf of the management and officers of the Federal Fire Service, commiserated with the Government and people of Niger State, as well as the families of the deceased, praying for the repose of the souls lost and for the quick recovery of those receiving medical attention,” the fire department said.
