Death Toll In Niger State Explosion Now 70
No fewer than 70 dead have now been accounted for in the petrol tanker explosion tragedy that occurred in Niger State today.
The tanker flipped over and people gathered to scoop spilt fuel.
“The death toll stands at 70 so far,” Kumar Tsukwam, the head of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, in Niger State, told newsmen.
He put the accident scene as Dikko-Maje Road opposite Badeggi Fuelling Station in Suleja Local Government Area.
Naija News House reported earlier that mostly affected in the tragedy were youths within the area and some women.
Besides the many lives lost, several others were said to have sustained injuries while many houses and shops were also reportedly razed completely in the inferno.
An eyewitness in the area said that the accident occurred when a tanker laden with petrol overturned, and another was brought to take in the petrol from the fallen one.
As the transfer of fuel into the new truck was about to begin, residents of the area, mostly youths and some women, rushed to the scene to scoop the fuel from the accident tanker.
“As the scooping continued, there was a loud explosion from the tanker, which immediately resulted in wild fire that engulfed the scoopers and the two vehicles.
“Those mostly trapped were the youths, who turned deaf ears to the calls from people around, of the dangers inherent in their action.
“And in the twinkle of an eye, many of them including women were trapped and roasted beyond recognition,” the eye witness declared.
Naija News House also gathered that many people within the area had to flee the scene as they could not render any assistance, as there was no immediate response from the fire service men to stop the spread.
The Sector Commander of FRSC in Niger State, Tsukwan, when contacted confirmed the story.
According to him, “I have just received the report on the incident and I am compiling my report and I will give you details later.”
Meanwhile, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has expressed shock over the tanker explosion.
The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, described the incident as “worrisome, heartbreaking and unfortunate”.
While sympathising with the families of the victims of the explosion and the repose of lives of the deceased, the governor cautioned the people to always be responsible and give priority to their safety.
He he directed all the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to do what is necessary while urging the Security Agents to also ensure security in the area.