At least 50 people lost their lives on Saturday in a devastating petrol tanker explosion along the Dikko-Maje Road, opposite Badeggi Filling Station in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State.
The tragic incident occurred when a tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) overturned, spilling its contents. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Commander in Niger State, Mr. Kumar Tsukwam, confirmed the explosion and its deadly aftermath.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that individuals who had gathered to scoop the spilled fuel were caught in the inferno, along with others who attempted to rescue them. The fire engulfed a large area, causing extensive destruction and leaving behind charred remains.
“We have recorded over 50 fatalities in this tragic event,” Mr. Tsukwam disclosed. He added that FRSC personnel, alongside other emergency responders, are on the scene conducting rescue operations and ensuring safety.
The explosion reportedly occurred around 9:00 am when an attempt was made to transfer the PMS from the overturned tanker to another vehicle. During the process, petrol reportedly came into contact with a generator being used for the fuel transfer, sparking the deadly fire.
Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed ongoing efforts to manage the aftermath of the disaster. According to him, search, rescue, and recovery operations are being carried out in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Suleja Local Government Emergency Committee, and local volunteers.
“The injured have been evacuated to the hospital for treatment, while efforts are ongoing to recover the bodies of those who lost their lives,” Baba-Arah said. He further urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with emergency responders to ensure the situation is handled effectively.
Properties worth millions of Naira were also destroyed in the explosion, leaving many families in anguish. Authorities have continued to caution the public against engaging in risky activities such as scooping fuel from accident scenes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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