Niger State tanker explosion 35 killed 40 injured
A devastating tragedy struck Niger State when a fuel tanker exploded along the Bida–Agaie Road in Katcha Local Government Area, killing at least 35 people and leaving about 40 others injured. The accident occurred after the tanker, which was transporting petrol from Lagos to the northern region, overturned and began leaking fuel.
Eyewitnesses reported that shortly after the crash, residents and passersby rushed to the scene with containers to scoop the spilled petrol. Moments later, the tanker burst into flames, resulting in a powerful explosion that engulfed the crowd. Many victims were burnt beyond recognition, while others sustained severe burns and injuries.
Emergency response teams, including the Federal Road Safety Corps and the state fire service, arrived quickly and evacuated survivors to nearby hospitals, including the Federal Medical Centre in Bida. Medical personnel confirmed that several victims remain in critical condition and are receiving intensive care.
Authorities have blamed the deteriorating condition of the Bida–Agaie Road for contributing to the tanker’s loss of control. Local residents expressed grief over the tragic incident and urged the government to rehabilitate major roads in the area to prevent similar disasters in the future.
The Niger State government has also cautioned residents against the dangerous practice of scooping fuel from accident scenes. Officials emphasized that such acts often lead to catastrophic explosions and urged the public to prioritize safety over personal gain.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the explosion and the extent of property and environmental damage. This tragedy adds to the growing number of fuel-related disasters that have claimed lives across Nigeria in recent years.
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