Fuel tanker blast in Niger, death toll rises to 98.
A devastating fuel tanker explosion in NIger state has led to a tragic loss of life, with the death toll now standing at 98. This catastrophic event took place on Saturday morning along the Dikko-Maje road in Gurara Local Government Area, sending shockwaves through the community and beyond.
According to Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), 80 victims were interred in a mass grave following the explosion. The victims were primarily individuals who had gathered around the overturned tanker, attempting to scoop fuel. In a desperate bid to transfer the petrol, an attempt to ignite a generator triggered the explosion, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life. The explosion also left 55 individuals injured, with one person succumbing to their injuries at the Dikko Primary Healthcare Centre.
The mass burial was organised by NSEMA in collaboration with local authorities and volunteers, highlighting the community’s swift response to a heart-wrenching situation. Many families chose to take their deceased relatives for private burials, reflecting the personal grief and sorrow felt throughout the region.
President Bola Tinubu expressed his profound sadness over the incident and extended condolences to the families affected by this tragedy. In an official statement, he lamented the preventable nature of such incidents, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and caution regarding the dangers associated with fuel-laden vehicles. The president has directed that comprehensive medical assistance be provided to those injured, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing the aftermath of this disaster.
In response to this tragic event, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has been tasked with launching a nationwide educational campaign to raise public awareness about the dangers of approaching accident sites involving fuel tankers. This initiative aims to prevent similar tragedies in the future by informing citizens about the risks associated with scooping fuel from fallen vehicles.
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Prominent figures, including the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nantewe Yilwatda, have also weighed in on the incident, describing it as a heartbreaking tragedy. He called for stricter adherence to road safety regulations to mitigate the increasing frequency of tanker explosions in the country. His remarks echoed the sentiments of many who are calling for renewed attention to safety measures in the transportation of hazardous materials.
The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, conveyed his sympathies to the victims’ families and the people of Niger State. He noted that accidents of this nature have far-reaching implications, reminding the public of the collective grief felt by the nation. Similarly, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State expressed his condolences and urged the community to remain resilient in the face of such devastating events.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has also emphasised the importance of strict compliance with safety protocols on the roads. He has instructed state police commissioners to enhance the effectiveness of their motor traffic divisions, ensuring that regulations surrounding the transportation of flammable materials are rigorously enforced.
Content Credit| Kemi Arowolo
Picture Credit | https://www.thisdaylive.com/
