By Our Correspondent
A petrol tanker explosion off the Abuja/Kaduna Highway at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State has claimed the lives of many individuals. Witnesses reported that over 30 people, who were scooping fuel from the fallen tanker, were burnt to death when the vehicle exploded on Saturday morning.
Among the victims were a pregnant woman and a mother with a week-old baby, according to a man traveling to Minna who witnessed the aftermath.
State fire service officials and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), quickly responded to fight the blaze.
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Sector Commander Kumar Tsukwam confirmed the incident, though the exact number of fatalities has yet to be determined.
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, expressed his shock and concern over the recurrent tanker explosions in the state, describing the incident as heartbreaking.
He sympathized with the victims’ families and called for heightened safety awareness.
