A fuel tanker overturned and exploded in Niger State, killing at least 35 people, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). The state’s FRSC Sector Commander, Aishatu Saadu, said on Tuesday that the tanker lost control, veered off the road, and spilled petrol, which ignited moments later. Several people who sustained injuries were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Bida for medical attention.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State extended his deepest condolences to residents of Essa in the Katcha Local Government Area, where the explosion claimed many lives and left several others injured.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor revealed that some of the victims had approached the fallen tanker in an attempt to scoop petrol before the explosion occurred. “This is another heartbreaking and tragic incident for the people and government of the state,” Bago stated.
The Chairman of the Niger State Tanker Drivers’ Association, Farouk Mohammed Kawo, described the disaster as devastating and preventable. He explained that the tanker was carrying petrol from Lagos to northern Nigeria when the crash occurred. Kawo further noted that about 30 accidents had been recorded along the same route in October alone, blaming the frequent crashes on the poor condition of the roads.
Deadly fuel-related accidents are a recurring tragedy in Nigeria, largely due to the lack of functional pipeline infrastructure, which makes road transport the main means of fuel distribution. The nation’s deteriorating roads, riddled with potholes, continue to contribute to numerous fatal accidents that claim dozens of lives each year.