In a devastating incident, over 90 people have been confirmed dead after a petrol tanker explosion occurred in Majiya Town, located in the Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, late Tuesday night.
The tragic event was confirmed by Mr. Shi’isu Adam, the spokesperson for the Jigawa State Police Command, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday. According to Adam, at least 50 others are currently receiving medical treatment for various injuries sustained during the explosion.
The accident happened around 11:30 p.m. when the tanker driver, traveling from Kano to Nguru in Yobe, lost control of his vehicle near Khadija University in Majiya Town. The tanker exploded shortly after the driver lost control, causing widespread destruction.
Despite repeated warnings from the authorities urging people to avoid the scene of accidents involving fuel tankers, a crowd gathered at the site. This, unfortunately, contributed to the high number of casualties.
Mr. Adam expressed concern over the disregard for safety advice, stating, “People gathered around the accident scene, which led to the mass casualties.”
A mass burial for the victims has been scheduled for 9 a.m. on Wednesday, while the injured are receiving treatment at Ringim General Hospital.
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