Tragedy engulfed Niger State early on Sunday morning as a petrol tanker explosion along the Lapai-Agaie road in Agaie Local Government Area claimed more than 48 lives in the inferno with over 50 cattle burnt in the process.
The incident occurred around 12:30 am when the tanker loaded with petrol collided head-on with a truck carrying passengers and cattle at the spot that is approximately 2 kilometers from Dendo Community in the Agaie LGA
Reports indicated that the trailer truck, carrying passengers and cattle from Wudil in Kano State, en route to Lagos, was heavily impacted by the collision, which led to a massive explosion. Two other vehicles, a crane truck, and a pickup van, were also caught in the inferno that intensified the devastation.
Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arab, who confirmed the tragic incident, said in a statement on Sunday that; “NSEMA has received a report of a deadly tanker explosion that occurred on Sunday, 8th September 2024, at about 12:30 am along Lapai-Agaie road, 2km from Dendo Community in Agaie LGA.
“The incident happened when a petrol tanker loaded with PMS collided with a trailer truck carrying travelers and cattle from Wudil, Kano State, heading to Lagos. Two other vehicles, a crane truck and a pickup van, were also involved in the incident.
“Over 30 people have already been confirmed dead, with more than 50 cattle burnt alive. NSEMA’s Rapid Response Team (RRT), in conjunction with LGEMCs, is still at the scene conducting search and rescue operations, as more bodies remain trapped inside the vehicles,” the statement read.
Rescue operations are ongoing as emergency responders continue to search for more victims, with several bodies still trapped inside the charred vehicles. The NSEMA boss assured the public that efforts were being made to manage the situation while expressing deep condolences to the families of those affected by the tragic event.
Initial reports indicated that 48 bodies of those who lost their lives in the accident were given a mass burial on Sunday with the state Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago expressing sadness over the loss of lives and properties from the explosion.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, quoted the Governor as describing the incident as unfortunate and a colossal loss to the nation, even as he called for calm among the residents of the affected area.
While commiserating with all those who suffered losses in the explosion, the governor enjoined road users to always be cautious and abide by road traffic regulations to safeguard lives and property.
He also prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and grant quick recovery to those injured in the incident.
