MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA – A devastating incident involving a petrol tanker explosion resulted in the loss of at least 147 lives in Majiya, northwestern Nigeria, according to the nation’s National Emergency Management Agency.
The tragic event unfolded late Tuesday when the tanker crashed after the driver lost control, reported Shi’isu Adam, a spokesperson for the Jigawa regional police. Eyewitness footage revealed alarming scenes of thick smoke and flames consuming the area, while frantic efforts were made to assist the injured amid the chaos.
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa state surveyed the aftermath on Wednesday, receiving updates on the mounting death toll. Sani Umar, a local resident who narrowly escaped, described the terrifying scene as people fled in panic and the fire’s rapid spread prevented many from reaching safety.
The vehicle’s loss of control occurred around 11:30 p.m., igniting widespread panic as fuel began leaking and ultimately ignited, causing the explosion. Despite prior warnings from police to avoid accident sites involving fuel tankers, a crowd had gathered to collect leaking fuel, exacerbating casualties.
Adam expressed concern over the public’s disregard for safety warnings, attributing the high number of fatalities to this behavior. Injured individuals were rushed to local hospitals for medical attention, as indicated by the Emergency Management Agency.
The area remains sealed off as authorities conduct a thorough investigation into the accident. Expressing deep sorrow, AT Abdullahi, Jigawa state’s police commissioner, extended his sympathies to the families grieving for lost loved ones.
“This is a heartbreaking moment for us all,” Abdullahi conveyed, sympathizing with those affected. Plans for a mass burial are set for Wednesday, as the community mourns this tragic loss.