A fatal petrol tanker explosion occurred in Majiya town, Jigawa State, early Wednesday morning, claiming the lives of over 147 individuals.
According to reports, the petrol tanker was traveling from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State, before loosing control and overturning near Khadija University around 12:30 am. Local residents rushed to scoop up the fuel, in what seemed like an easy way to collect an increasingly expensive commodity in Nigeria. The accident sparked a massive inferno, trapping many in the flames. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as people frantically tried to escape the blaze and rescue others.
Sani Umar, a local resident who narrowly escaped the inferno, said: “People were running in all directions, screaming for help. The fire spread so quickly that many couldn’t escape.”
“Multiple households have suffered devastating casualties, losing more than one family member,” said Mu’azu Rabiu, a resident of Majia who witnessed the disaster.
The Police Public Relations Officer for Jigawa State, DSP Lawan Adam, confirmed that 94 people were killed instantly with the death toll later rising to 147 as more succumbed to their injuries. Another 72 individuals are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.
Adam expressed the need for heightened public awareness about the dangers of fuel explosions. “We urge the public to notify security agencies in cases of accidents involving petrol tankers. Safety should always be the top priority,” he said.
Mass Burial for petrol Tanker Explosion Victims
In response to the overwhelming loss of life, local authorities have begun conducting mass burials for the victims. Taura Local Government Chairman, Shuaibu Hambali, confirmed the commencement of the burial process and expressed his deep condolences to the bereaved families.
In light of the tragedy, Nigeria President Bola Tinubu dispatched a high-level delegation to Jigawa to assess the situation and offer support. Led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the delegation also includes the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakarand other senior officials.
A statement from the presidency assured the people of Jigawa that immediate aid, including medical supplies, food, and shelter, would be provided to the injured and affected families.
President Tinubu conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the people of Jigawa, stating, “This is a time of immense grief. Our prayers are with the families of the victims, and we will ensure that all necessary assistance is provided.”
“This is a tragic loss for our state. We must take steps to prevent future occurrences by raising awareness about the dangers of handling fuel carelessly,” he added.
The Wednesday fuel tanker explosion is not an isolated incident. In early September, at least 59 people died when a passenger truck and two other vehicles hit a toppled-over fuel tanker that had caught fire. In April, more than 100 vehicles burned in a similar explosion. And in July last year, at least eight people died as they were trying to siphon fuel from an overturned truck in the country’s southwest.