At Least 31 Dead As Fuel Tanker Explodes While People Scoop Petrol In Niger State
At least 31 people have died and several others were injured after a petrol tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) exploded while people were scooping fuel along the Bida-Agaie highway in Niger State on Tuesday. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, said the incident occurred around 2:40 pm near Essa Village via Katcha. “There was a lone tanker accident along the Bida-Agaie highway, causing the vehicle carrying PMS to fall by the roadside,” he explained. Abiodun stated that residents rushed to collect fuel from the overturned tanker when it suddenly caught fire. “Unfortunately, people living around Essa Village rushed to the scene to scoop PMS, and the tanker was suddenly engulfed in flames. Forty-eight individuals were affected, with thirty-one losing their lives, while others are receiving treatment in nearby hospitals. Three motorcycles were also destroyed,” he added. Security officers and other agencies were deployed to the scene for rescue operations. Investigations are ongoing to identify the driver and owner of the tanker involved.