Five persons burnt to death while several others sustained various degrees of injuries in the fire incident that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday along Lapai-Agaie road in Niger State.
Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Ibrahim Inga, disclosed this to reporters.
It was also gathered that a total of seven vehicles, including two tankers carrying fuel and another carry gas, were burnt.
“Five persons burnt to ashes, four people were seen in FRSC van being taken to the hospital.
“Five others were seriously burnt while four persons sustained minor burnt.
“Some of the injured people were taken to Agaie for treatment.
“It occurred around 4am [on Tuesday] but it got worse because Lapai Local Government fire service is not functional.
“We later contacted IBB University Lapai that came to the rescue in addition to that of Agaie Fire Service vehicle at the other end,” a source said.
Daily Trust gathered that the explosion occurred as a result of a collision involving two takers loaded with PMS.
The Director General of NSEMA, who was at the scene for assessment of the damage, said another tanker carrying fuel had fallen around in Lapai Local Government with its contents spilling already.
He said they were trying to address the problem so as to prevent another disaster.
Nigeria is currently experiencing rise in tankers’ explosions with many calling for ban on tankers’ movement during the day.
Also, experts are worried that most of the tankers conveying fuel in the country are not road worthy.
Governor Bello Sympathises with Victims
Meanwhile, the State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has expressed his sympathy to the victims and family members of those affected in the tanker explosion.
The Governor who noted that it is a moment of grieve to the victims’ family members, people of Lapai Local Government and the entire people of the State, prayed for the quick recovery of those injured.
He also prayed Allah to grant those who lost their lives in the explosion Aljannah Firdausi and as well give their families the fortitude to bear the painful deaths.
The Governor assured the people that the State Government was not resting on it oars to ensure that the Federal Government fix the Federal Roads in the State while the State Government is also making deliberate efforts to make the State-owned Roads motorable.
He then enjoined road users especially truck drivers to take caution while driving and be mindful of the roads condition as well as be humane in their conducts on roads.
Meanwhile, the Niger State Government has despatched and directed officials of relevant agencies to immediately carry out necessary actions that will help cushion the effects and bring succour to the people.
The explosion was said to have occurred in a gridlock occasioned by the deplorable condition of the Federal Road and about 7 trucks were said to have been affected including a petrol tanker in the explosion.
