94 killed, 50 injured in Jigawa tanker explosion

A petrol tanker has exploded in Majia town, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, killing 94 persons and leaving 50 others injured.

It was learnt that the tragic incident happened on Tuesday, around 11 pm, when the tanker driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed it.

As the contents spilled into the surrounding areas, locals trooped out to scoop the fuel. Shortly afterwards, the tanker was said to have exploded.

Daily Trust gathered that the tanker, with the number plate KMC 6412 F driven by one Yusuf Mohammad, had taken off from Kano heading for Nguru in Yobe State.

DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, the Police Public Relations Officer in Jigawa, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Dutse on Wednesday, adding that the injured had been taken to Ringim General Hospital for medical attention.

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“The residents were scooping fuel from the overturned tanker when the explosion occurred, sparking a massive inferno that killed 94 people on the spot.

“The incident left another 50 people severely injured, who were then rushed to Ringim and Hadejia General Hospitals for treatment,” he said.

Jigawa State’s Commissioner of Police, A.T Abdullahi, extended condolences to the people of Majia town and the state at large, urging citizens to exercise caution and avoid scenes of petrol tanker accidents.

“The state’s commissioner of police, A.T Abdullahi, condoles with the people of Majia town and Jigawa in general for the great loss. Avoid the scene of any petrol tanker accident as it always results in death by fire,” the CP said.