No fewer than 30 people have reportedly lost their lives, while about 40 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a tragic tanker explosion that occurred on Tuesday in Niger State.
The incident happened around 11:00 a.m. at Essan and Badeggi communities along the Bida–Agaie road in Katcha Local Government Area of the state.
Eyewitnesses said the victims were scooping fuel from a fallen tanker when the vehicle suddenly exploded, setting off a massive fire that engulfed several people.
Many victims were said to have been burnt beyond recognition, while the injured were evacuated to nearby hospitals for treatment.
More details shortly.