Tanker Explosion: Death Toll Rises To 59

The death toll from the devastating petrol tanker explosion in Niger State has risen to 59 after a head-on collision between a petrol tanker and another articulated vehicle transporting over 60 people and 50 cows.

It would be recalled that the tragic incident occurred on Sunday, September 8, 2024, along the Lapai-Agaie highway, just 2 kilometres from Dendo Community in Agaie Local Government Area of the state.

The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arab, confirmed the rising death toll on Monday, stating that additional bodies were discovered during ongoing evacuation efforts.

He noted that one of the injured victims with severe burns succumbed to their injuries at the Federal Medical Centre in Bida, increasing the fatalities.

Baba-Arab added that more bodies might still be found as evacuation operations continue.

Two locals were buried in a nearby village shortly after the incident, while the majority of the deceased were discovered during rescue efforts.

According to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) sector commander in Niger State, Kumar Tsukwam, the petrol tanker, which was en route from Lagos to Kano, lost control after speeding and subsequently caught fire following the collision.

The other trailer, transporting both humans and livestock from Kano to Lagos, was engulfed by the flames, resulting in extensive damage and loss of life.

Tsukwam revealed that 35 people died instantly at the scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries in the hospital, bringing the death toll to 37 initially.

As evacuation continued, the number of casualties rose further bringing the number to 59.

Additionally, all the cows aboard the second trailer were burnt.

The FRSC team at the scene reported disturbing incidents of individuals attempting to salvage parts of the burnt cows for sale, prompting authorities to advise that all the animals be incinerated to prevent the risk of an epidemic.