Synopsis
A collective funeral was held for the victims of a gasoline tanker explosion in Nigeria's Niger State, which claimed 86 lives. Local authorities confirmed the death toll has risen, prompting calls for stricter traffic regulations and safety measures to prevent future tragedies.Key Takeaways
- Mass funeral held for 86 victims of tanker explosion.
- Explosion occurred when a tanker overturned.
- Many victims were burned beyond recognition.
- Calls for stricter safety measures and regulations.
- President Tinubu directed a public awareness campaign.
Abuja, Jan 19 (NationPress) A collective funeral service was conducted for the victims of Saturday's gasoline tanker explosion in the north-central region of Nigeria, specifically in Niger State. Local authorities confirmed the death toll has risen from 80 to 86.
A total of 80 bodies were interred in a mass grave located in the Gurara local government area following the explosion caused by a tanker carrying gasoline that overturned, spilling its contents onto a busy road in the Dikko area on Saturday morning. Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the head of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, informed reporters that one of the injured victims succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at a local healthcare facility.
The mass burial was conducted with assistance from local government authorities and volunteers. Currently, at least 55 individuals are receiving medical care at local health facilities, according to the emergency response official.
Tragedy struck on Saturday morning when numerous residents in the Dikko area found themselves caught in a severe fire while attempting to scoop fuel from the overturned gasoline tanker.
Witnesses reported that some residents had surrounded the fallen tanker to collect fuel, and when an attempt was made to start a power generator to facilitate the transfer of petrol, an explosion occurred, leading to fatalities and property destruction. Many victims were reportedly burned beyond recognition.
In response to this heartbreaking and tragic incident, Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago attributed the cause to the actions of reckless truck drivers who pose a threat to the lives of local residents.
During his assessment of the damage and loss of life, the governor imposed a ban on the operation of heavy-duty trucks on the route where the explosion occurred.
Nantewe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, expressed alarm over the increasing frequency of tanker explosions nationwide, warning drivers against reckless behaviors that could jeopardize innocent lives. He urged tanker operators and other motorists to strictly follow traffic regulations.
Gasoline tanker explosions are unfortunately common in Nigeria, frequently resulting in significant casualties and national mourning. In September 2024, a similar explosion on a busy highway in Niger State claimed at least 48 lives.
While many Nigerians attribute these recurrent incidents to the current economic difficulties driving people to desperate actions, including fetching gasoline from fallen tankers, there are calls for stricter traffic regulations to avert similar disasters.
The Nigerian Governors' Forum, which comprises all 36 state governors, stated that the incident on Saturday has cast a shadow of grief across the nation.
The forum united in its call for the strict enforcement of safety measures nationwide, especially concerning the transportation and management of hazardous materials.
They emphasized that this incident serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need to strengthen regulatory frameworks to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Expressing his deep sorrow over the incident and the significant human loss, President Bola Tinubu described the explosion as devastating.
The president highlighted the tragic and preventable nature of the incident, directing relevant authorities to ensure comprehensive medical treatment for the injured and instructing security and road safety agencies to implement measures to prevent similar occurrences.
He also strongly advised citizens to exercise caution and avoid approaching accident sites, particularly those involving fuel-carrying vehicles, due to their explosive nature.
Furthermore, the president tasked the National Orientation Agency with launching a nationwide educational campaign aimed at raising public awareness about the severe risks and environmental hazards of collecting fuel from fallen tankers.
Earlier in October of the previous year, Tinubu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promptly reviewing and improving fuel transportation safety protocols. He ordered the police to enhance measures such as increased patrols, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and additional highway safety mechanisms to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
