Niger tanker explosion death toll rises to 59

Tinubu orders review of road safety measures after explosion

The death toll from a petrol tanker explosion after a head-on collision with another articulated vehicle has risen to 59.

The incident happened on Sunday along Lapai-Agaie, in Agaie LGA, Niger State when the petrol tanker was involved in a head-on collision with another trailer transporting over 60 people and 50 cows from Kano State to Lagos State.

Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arab, made this known on Monday in a statement. He said more dead bodies were discovered in the process of evacuation after 48 victims were confirmed dead on Sunday.

“The death toll has risen to 59. We lost one of the injured with first-degree burns at the Federal Medical Centre Bida. Two locals were taken to a village nearby for burial, and the rest was discovered during evacuation. It’s also possible that more dead bodies could be discovered in the process of the continued evacuation,” Baba-Arab stated.

The Niger State Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) sector commander, Kumar Tsukwam, said the petrol tanker which was coming from Lagos was at high speed and encountered brake failure when the accident occurred.

MEANWHILE, President Bola Tinubu has directed relevant federal agencies in transportation and road infrastructure to intensify efforts to enhance the safety and security of travelers and residents, following the tragic petrol tanker explosion in Niger.

The President’s directive comes after he sent condolences to the government and people of Niger State, commiserating with the families of the dead and injured victims, and sympathising with owners of affected shops and goods. He praised federal and state emergency agencies for their swift response and Nigerians who assisted at the scene.

In a statement issued by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and pledged continued support for relief efforts. He pledged continued support for efforts aimed at providing relief to those affected.