A petrol tanker explosion in Majia Town, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, has claimed the lives of 94 people and left 50 others injured.
The tragic incident occurred around 11 p.m. on Tuesday when the tanker driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to crash. As fuel spilled into the surrounding area, local residents rushed to collect it. Shortly after, the tanker exploded, resulting in a devastating fire.
According to reports, the tanker, with the number plate KMC 6412 F, was driven by Yusuf Mohammad and had departed from Kano, heading toward Nguru in Yobe State.
Jigawa State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Dutse on Wednesday. He stated that the explosion occurred as locals were scooping fuel from the overturned tanker, igniting a massive inferno that instantly killed 94 people.
“The explosion left 50 others severely injured, who were immediately taken to Ringim and Hadejia General Hospitals for treatment,” Adam added.
Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, A.T. Abdullahi, expressed his condolences to the people of Majia and the entire state. He urged citizens to avoid accident scenes involving petrol tankers, stressing that such incidents often result in fatalities. “The Commissioner of Police condoles with the people of Majia and Jigawa for this great loss and advises the public to stay clear of petrol tanker accidents, which frequently lead to death by fire,” Abdullahi said.
