Daud Olatunji
A tragic tanker explosion along the Lapai-Agaie road in Niger State claimed the lives of over 48 people in the early hours of Sunday.
The incident, which occurred around 12:30 a.m., involved a petrol tanker loaded with fuel that collided with a truck carrying passengers and cattle, resulting in a devastating explosion that rocked the area.
The petrol tanker, which was travelling along the Lapai-Agaie route, crashed into the truck approximately two kilometres from the Dendo Community in Agaie Local Government Area.
The truck, reportedly coming from Wudil in Kano State and headed towards Lagos, was significantly impacted, leading to the massive inferno.
In addition to the two main vehicles involved in the collision, two other vehicles – a crane truck and a pickup van – were also caught in the blaze, amplifying the tragedy.
The flames engulfed the vehicles, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
According to early reports, over 48 people lost their lives in the explosion, with the victims trapped inside the burning vehicles.
In addition, more than 50 cattle were burnt alive in the aftermath of the crash.
The bodies of the victims were given a mass burial on Sunday as emergency responders continued to search for more victims trapped in the wreckage.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), in collaboration with Local Government Emergency Committees (LGEMCs), immediately deployed a Rapid Response Team (RRT) to the scene.
Speaking on the tragic event, the Director General of NSEMA, Abdullahi Baba-arah, confirmed that rescue operations were ongoing, with efforts underway to recover more bodies from the charred vehicles.
“We have dispatched our Rapid Response Team to the site, and our emergency personnel are working tirelessly to ensure that all victims are accounted for,” Baba-arah said.
He also extended his condolences to the families of those affected and assured the public that the situation was being managed carefully.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Niger State, Umaru Bago, has expressed profound sadness over the tragic loss of lives.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor described the incident as a deeply unfortunate occurrence and extended his sympathies to all the families who suffered losses.
“I am deeply pained by this tragic incident. My heart goes out to the families of the victims, and I offer my prayers for the repose of the souls of the departed,” Governor Bago stated.
He called for calm and urged road users to be more cautious, emphasizing the importance of adhering to road traffic regulations to avoid such devastating incidents.
Governor Bago also prayed for the swift recovery of those injured and reminded the public of the critical need for safety on Nigerian roads, particularly for tanker drivers and those transporting large goods and livestock across the country.
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