Death toll rises to 86 in Niger petrol tanker explosion

Death has increased from Saturday’s tragic petrol tanker explosion at Dikko in Niger State has risen to 86, with 55 others injured.

According to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the explosion, which occurred when a tanker carrying petrol overturned, has left a devastating impact on the region.

NSEMA Director General, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah, confirmed in a statement this morning that the bodies of the deceased were recovered from the site.

He added that 80 of the victims were given a mass burial, facilitated by the agency, the Gurara Local Government Area, and volunteers, while five others were taken away for burial by their families.

The explosion occurred when a second tanker was brought in to transfer petrol from the overturned truck.

Eyewitnesses reported that youths and women rushed to the scene to scoop petrol, and the subsequent explosion set off a massive fire that engulfed the victims, the trucks, and the surrounding area. Many homes and shops were destroyed, leading to significant property losses.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, visited the scene of the disaster, calling the incident “shocking, unfortunate, and worrisome.”

In response, he instructed medical personnel from Minna General Hospital to assist in treating the injured at New Wuse and Suleja General Hospitals.