Tanker Explosion Claims Many Lives in North-central Nigeria
Residents who had rushed to scoop petrol were caught in the explosion, which engulfed passersby, makeshift shops, and properties worth millions of naira.
Many people, including children, have lost their lives in a devastating tanker explosion at Dikko Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, North-central Nigeria.
The inferno, which also left scores injured, unfolded on Saturday morning, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The incident occurred around 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, when a tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) overturned and burst into flames. Residents who had rushed to scoop petrol were caught in the explosion, which engulfed passersby, makeshift shops, and properties worth millions of naira.
The tragedy struck opposite the Government Girls Secondary School, Dikko, where the flames consumed everything in its path. Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene, with survivors battling severe burns and the area reduced to charred rubble.
This is not the first time Dikko Junction has witnessed such devastation. In August 2019, a similar tanker explosion at the exact location claimed lives and destroyed vehicles, properties, and livelihoods.
Residents and commuters have long decried the poor state of roads in the area, which they say contributes to frequent accidents and loss of life.
Reacting to the incident, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago described it as “worrisome, heartbreaking, and unfortunate.” In a statement by Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor extended his condolences to the bereaved families and urged residents to prioritise their safety during emergencies.
Governor Bago has directed all the relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to act swiftly and urge security operatives to secure the area to prevent further casualties.
During his visit to the incident scene, the governor announced a ban on heavy-duty trucks using one-way routes on the Dikko Bridge. “It is not acceptable for any vehicle coming from Maje to pass through the bridge; rather, they should follow the route under the bridge and make a proper U-turn,” Ibrahim stated.
Additionally, the governor assured that doctors would be redeployed to assist in treating the injured victims currently receiving care at Suleja General Hospital.
A devastating tanker explosion occurred at Dikko Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway in Niger State, Nigeria, resulting in multiple fatalities, including children, and left several injured. The incident on Saturday morning involved a tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit that overturned and caught fire, engulfing residents who attempted to scoop the fuel, and destroying nearby shops and properties.
The explosion took place near the Government Girls Secondary School and is reminiscent of a similar incident in August 2019 at the same location. Complaints about the poor road conditions contributing to such accidents have been ongoing. Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed condolences and directed relevant authorities to secure the area, banned heavy trucks from using one-way routes on Dikko Bridge, and assured that medical assistance would be provided to the injured at Suleja General Hospital.
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