Majiya Town, Taura Local Government Area, Jigawa State—A devastating petrol tanker explosion on Tuesday night has left at least 90 people confirmed dead and over 50 others hospitalized with injuries.
The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. when the driver of the tanker lost control near Khadija University, igniting a fireball that engulfed the surrounding area.
According to Mr. Shi’isu Adam, the Police Spokesperson in Jigawa, the tanker was en route from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State when the accident occurred.
The explosion has been attributed to the driver’s loss of control, which resulted in a catastrophic blast that drew crowds of onlookers to the scene.
“The driver left Kano and was heading to Nguru in Yobe when the accident happened,” Adam stated. He expressed deep concern over the public’s tendency to gather around accident scenes, especially those involving fuel tankers, despite ongoing police warnings.
“We are worried that in spite of police warning for people to steer clear from scenes of accidents involving fuel tankers, they still engage in such acts,” he added.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion that shattered windows and sent shockwaves through the vicinity.
Eyewitnesses also described chaotic scenes as people rushed to help those affected. Unfortunately, the influx of bystanders contributed to the high number of casualties, as many were caught in the subsequent fire.
The police spokesperson revealed that a mass burial for the victims is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Wednesday. “We are coordinating with local authorities to ensure that the victims are given a dignified burial,” Adam confirmed.
The injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment at the Ringim General Hospital, where health officials are working around the clock to provide care for those affected.
The hospital is reportedly overwhelmed with patients, as families of the injured flock to the facility in search of their loved ones.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, calls for increased safety measures and public awareness regarding fuel tanker incidents have intensified.
Local leaders are urging residents to heed warnings and avoid dangerous situations, particularly in light of the current disaster.
Jigawa State has a history of road accidents involving fuel tankers, and this latest incident underscores the urgent need for better regulation and monitoring of transport vehicles on the state’s roads.
Safety advocates are calling for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and enhanced driver training to prevent such disasters from occurring in the future.
As the community mourns the loss of life and seeks to support those impacted, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers associated with fuel transport and the importance of public safety awareness.
The full extent of the tragedy is still being assessed as investigations into the cause of the explosion continue, and the families of the victims are left to grieve their profound losses.
