Updated: Death toll from Niger tanker explosion rises to 98

The death toll from Saturday’s devastating petrol tanker explosion has risen to 98, up from 86 reported on Sunday by Persecondnews.

The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Abdullahi Baba-Arah, gave the latest update in a statement on Monday.

The tanker explosion occurred just three months after a more devastating one in Jigawa State.

Persecondnews reported that a tragic incident occurred on October 25, 2024, in Majiya, Jigawa, when the driver of a petrol tanker lost control, causing a spill that led to a devastating explosion.

It claimed 209 lives and left 124 people injured.

He said: “More deaths have been recorded from the fire incident. The latest figure is now 98 deaths, 69 injured and 20 shops burnt down.”

Meanwhile, seven of the 43 injured victims admitted to General Hospital Suleja have succumbed to their injuries, while three of the 23 patients admitted to General Hospital, Sabon-Wuse have also died.

Ten patients from General Hospital Suleja were transferred to Abuja for specialized treatment, while three others have been successfully treated and discharged to continue their recovery at home.

Also, the Niger State Government on Sunday pledged to cover the medical expenses of the injured victims, while the Federal Government will also bear the costs of treatment for those referred to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) medical facility.

Persecondnews reported that on Saturday morning that a speeding fuel tanker crashed, spilling its content on the road which caught fire.

Tragically, many impoverished residents who had rushed to collect the spilled fuel were caught in the inferno.

The victims have been laid to rest in a mass grave.

Nationwide condolences are flooding in following the tragic incident.

President Bola Tinubu, in his condolence message issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Niger State.

Tinubu directed that comprehensive medical care be provided to those injured in the tanker explosion, and has also instructed security and road safety authorities to implement measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Additionally, he strongly advised citizens to exercise caution and avoid approaching accident sites, especially those involving fuel-laden vehicles, due to their highly explosive nature.

Furthermore, the President instructed the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to launch a nationwide campaign against scooping fuel from overturned trucks.

The campaign, according to him, will raise public awareness about the severe risks and environmental dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.