30 Tankers Crash in Same Spot This Month as Residents Risk Lives Scooping Fuel
By Stephen Ojo, Minna
In what has been described as one of the deadliest disasters in recent times, no fewer than 35 persons were burnt to death and 40 others injured when a fuel tanker exploded on Tuesday morning at Badeggi and Essan communities along the Bida–Agaie Road in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State.
Witnesses said the victims were scooping petroleum product from the fallen tanker when it suddenly exploded into flames, incinerating several people on the spot. Some of the victims were said to have been burnt beyond recognition, while others sustained severe burns and fractures.
Emergency responders from the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) raced to the scene to evacuate the injured to nearby hospitals.
Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of NSEMA, Ibrahim Hussaini, told Blueprint that rescue operations were ongoing.
“Yes, I can confirm the accident occurred today. There are many casualties — between 30 and 35 people have died so far. NSEMA will issue a detailed situation report soon as our operatives are on the ground,” he said.
Reacting to the tragedy, Comrade Farouk Mohammed Kawo, Niger State Chairman and National Ex-officio of the Tanker Drivers’ Unit of NUPENG, disclosed that the ill-fated tanker was en route from Lagos to the North, loaded with petroleum products.
Kawo lamented that over 30 tanker accidents have occurred in the same portion of the road this month alone, describing the stretch as “a death trap for motorists.”
He added that despite repeated warnings, youths in the area continue to scoop fuel from accident scenes, risking their lives.
“Just last Sunday, a tanker carrying groundnut oil had an accident and people still rushed to scoop the product,” he said.
The union leader appealed to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to urgently fix the deplorable section of the Bida–Agaie Road to prevent further tragedies.
“We are losing lives and properties almost every week. Government must act fast to save motorists and communities along this route,” Kawo pleaded. Follow www.krestnews.com for more updates on this story and other breaking news.