In the early hours of Sunday, a tragic tanker explosion occurred along the Lapai-Agaie road, approximately 2 kilometers from Dendo Community in the Agaie Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State. The incident, which took place around 12:30 am, involved a petrol tanker loaded with fuel that collided with a truck carrying passengers and cattle.
The trailer, traveling from Wudil in Kano State to Lagos, was heavily impacted by the collision, leading to a massive explosion. Two other vehicles, a crane truck, and a pickup van, were also caught in the inferno, intensifying the devastation.
Initial reports indicate that more than 48 individuals lost their lives in the blaze, while over 50 cattle were burnt alive. The 48 bodies were given a mass burial on Sunday.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), in collaboration with Local Government Emergency Committees (LGEMCs), immediately dispatched a Rapid Response Team (RRT) to the scene. Rescue operations are ongoing as emergency responders continue to search for more victims, with several bodies still trapped inside the charred vehicles.
Director General of NSEMA, Abdullahi Baba-arah, assured the public that efforts were being made to manage the situation while expressing deep condolences to the families of those affected by the tragic event.
Governor Umaru Bago has also expressed his sadness over the incident. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Bago conveyed his pain over the unfortunate event. While commiserating with all those who suffered losses, the governor called for calm and urged road users to always be cautious and abide by road traffic regulations to safeguard lives and property.
The governor prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and wished a quick recovery to those injured.