No fewer than 50 people lost their lives on Saturday following a petrol tanker explosion along the Dikko-Maje Road, opposite Badeggi filling station in Suleja Local Government Area.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Commander in Niger State, Mr. Kumar Tsukwam, confirmed the incident, which occurred when a tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) fell, spilling its contents.
Reports indicate that people who gathered to scoop the spilling fuel were caught in an explosion, which also affected those attempting to rescue victims.
The fire engulfed a wide area, leaving charred remains and widespread destruction.
“We have more than 50 fatalities in this tragic incident,” Tsukwam stated.
“Our personnel, alongside sister agencies, are on the ground conducting rescue operations and ensuring the safety of the area.”
The explosion reportedly occurred at approximately 9:00 am during an attempt to transfer the PMS from the crashed tanker to another.
Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed that efforts are ongoing to clear the scene and provide assistance to victims.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that during the incident, petrol came into contact with a generator being used for a fuel transfer, sparking an explosion that claimed over 50 lives.
Several others sustained injuries, and properties worth millions of Naira were destroyed in the explosion.
According to Baba-Arah, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Suleja Local Government Emergency Committee, and volunteers, is actively conducting search, rescue, and recovery operations.
He stated that the injured have been taken to the hospital for treatment, while efforts are ongoing to retrieve the bodies of the deceased.
Baba-Arah urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with emergency responders as they work to address the aftermath of the tragedy.
