Jamie Spencer
A devastating petrol tanker explosion in Nigeria has claimed the lives of at least 147 people, the country’s National Emergency Management Agency confirmed on Wednesday. The tragic incident unfolded late Tuesday in the town of Majiya, located in the northwestern state of Jigawa, after the tanker’s driver lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn and ignite a deadly blaze.
Chaos and Despair After the Blast
Eyewitnesses at the scene described a harrowing scene of chaos and panic as flames engulfed the overturned vehicle. Videos captured by bystanders showed thick columns of smoke rising into the night sky, while desperate residents tried to rescue those trapped in the inferno.
Sani Umar, a local resident who narrowly escaped the flames, shared his experience: “It was terrifying. People were running in all directions, screaming for help. The fire spread so quickly that many couldn’t escape.”
The tanker, which had been en route to Nigeria’s Yobe state, crashed around 11:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday. According to police reports, large crowds gathered at the scene to collect leaking fuel from the damaged truck before it suddenly exploded, leading to the high number of casualties.
Warnings Ignored Amid the Tragedy
Authorities expressed frustration that many bystanders ignored warnings to stay away from the accident site. Shi’isu Adam, a spokesperson for the regional police in Jigawa, emphasized this point to reporters: “We are worried that in spite of police warning people to stay clear from scenes of accidents involving fuel tankers, they still engage in such acts. People gathered around the accident scene; that is the reason for the mass casualties.”
Numerous injured individuals were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, as rescue operations continued into Wednesday. The area around the explosion remained cordoned off while police and emergency responders conducted further investigations.
National Leaders and Local Officials React
Jigawa state Governor Umar Namadi visited the site of the explosion on Wednesday, where he was briefed on the tragic loss of life. He joined local leaders in offering condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized the need for greater caution in similar situations to prevent future tragedies.
AT Abdullahi, the commissioner of police in Jigawa, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, offering words of support to the grieving families. “This is a heartbreaking moment for us all,” Abdullahi said. “We share in the pain and sorrow of the families affected. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the bereaved.”
Mass Burial for Victims to Take Place
A mass burial is planned for the victims, a somber reminder of the scale of the tragedy that has shaken the town of Majiya and the surrounding region. The community is mourning the loss of life and grappling with the aftermath of one of the deadliest accidents in the state’s recent history.
