Tanker Explosion in Niger State Claims 35 Lives, Injures 46 Others

No fewer than 35 people were killed and 46 others injured on Tuesday when a petrol-laden tanker overturned and exploded at Essa village in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State. The explosion occurred after residents reportedly rushed to scoop fuel from the crashed vehicle before it went up in flames.

Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Niger State, Aishatu Sa’adu, confirmed the incident to journalists, describing it as a lone crash caused by the driver’s loss of control. She said the tanker, which was conveying petrol through the area, spilled its contents upon overturning, and the resulting ignition led to a massive explosion that claimed dozens of lives.

According to Sa’adu, several victims sustained severe burns and were taken to the Federal Medical Centre in Bida for treatment, while the bodies of those who died have been deposited at the hospital morgue. She added that emergency responders and security personnel were deployed to the scene to assist in rescue operations and control the situation.

In a statement issued late Tuesday, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State described the tragedy as “worrisome, unfortunate and pathetic.” He expressed condolences to the bereaved families and urged residents to desist from the dangerous act of scooping fuel from accident scenes, noting that such behavior often leads to preventable deaths.

Officials of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have since cordoned off the area to prevent further casualties and ensure public safety. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full cause of the crash and to identify the victims.

Fuel tanker explosions remain a recurring tragedy in Nigeria, largely due to the country’s heavy reliance on road transport for petroleum distribution, coupled with deteriorating road conditions and unsafe practices by motorists and residents. Experts have called for improved road maintenance and stricter enforcement of safety regulations to reduce such incidents.

The FRSC has reiterated its commitment to intensifying safety campaigns and enforcing compliance among tanker drivers across the country to curb the frequent occurrence of similar disasters.