A devastating petrol tanker explosion early Sunday morning in Agaie Local Government Area, Niger State, has claimed the lives of 48 individuals and over 50 cattle. The incident occurred when a petrol tanker collided head-on with a truck transporting travelers and cattle from Wudil, Kano State.
According to Abdullahi Baba-Arab, Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the explosion happened around 12:30 AM on September 8, 2024, along the Lapai-Agaie Road, approximately 2 kilometers from Dendo Community. The intense fire from the collision burned the victims beyond recognition, leading to a mass burial for the deceased.
“The collision involved a petrol tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and a truck carrying both passengers and cattle. Two other vehicles, including a crane truck and a pickup van, were also engulfed in the blaze,” Baba-Arab stated. Initial reports confirmed over 30 deaths, but following extensive search and rescue operations, an additional 18 bodies were recovered.
Emergency response teams, working alongside local authorities, are still at the scene to retrieve any remaining victims and assist in ongoing rescue efforts. The explosion has not only led to tragic loss of life but also significant destruction, highlighting the urgent need for improved road safety measures.
