Jigawa tanker explosion: 95 dead, 50 in hospital

As six people die, five injured in Ibadan accident

A tragic incident happened in Jigawa State, Nigeria, on October 16, 2024, when a petrol tanker exploded in the village of Majiya, resulting in the loss of many lives.

The tanker was traveling from Port Harcourt to Nguru in Yobe State when it lost control and overturned, spilling petrol into the village’s gutters and drainages.

Unfortunately, local residents gathered to collect the spilled petrol, which eventually ignited, causing a massive fire that spread quickly throughout the area.

The explosion and fire resulted in the death of 95 people, with 50 others injured and hospitalized.

The incident left the community in serious shock, as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The explosion occurred around 12:30 AM when the driver of the tanker lost control near Khadija University, Majiya.

The Police Public Relations Officer of Jigawa State Command, Deputy Superintendent of Polic (DSP) Lawan Adam, said the disaster was triggered by residents who had rushed to collect spilt petrol following which the tanker exploded.

Meanwhile, pictures of the badly burned victims went viral on social media depicting gory images.

The villagers were scooping fuel from the overturned tanker when the explosion occurred.

The explosion sparked a massive conflagration that killed 94 people on the spot, DSP Adam said.

The incident left the lives of 50 other people in dangerous situations.

These were rushed to Ringim and Hadejia General Hospitals in the state for treatment.

Adam disclosed that the authorities commenced mass burial for the victims Wednesday morning, with the entire community mourning the loss.

He described the scene as a “horrific tragedy,” emphasising the need for the public to understand the risks associated with scooping fuel scenes of an accident.

Commissioner of Police in Jigawa State, AT Abdullahi, expressed his feelings and condolences to the families of the deceased and the entire people of Jigawa.

“This is a heart-breaking moment for us all,” he said, adding: “we share in the pain and sorrow of the families affected.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the bereaved,” he concluded.

Six people died, five injured in Ibadan accident

In another accident, six persons have lost their lives while five others sustained varying degrees injuries in a road accident in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on Monday morning October 14, 2024.

The incident involved a trailer conveying tiles and a lorry loaded with soft drinks.

It occurred at Oke Eleshin, Amuloko on Akanran Road, in the Ona Ara Local Government Area of the state.

Eyewitness said one of the trucks carrying tiles lost control due to possible brake failure and rammed into another truck carrying drinks.

Tricycles and a minibus also got caught up in the chaos that ensued.

Men of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said that 6 people died at the scene of the accident.

Meanwhile, five adult males who sustained injuries were taken to a neighbourhood hospital where they are receiving treatment.

In the meantime, those that lost their lives were deposited at the morgue of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

Following the accident, FRSC officials urged drivers to adhere strictly to road safety rules and regulations to reduce avoidable crashes and loss of lives.

Normalcy has returned to the area as security operatives including men of Operation Burst, OYRTMA, Police, Road Safety, Amotekun, and local vigilantes were deployed to clear the traffic jam within the axis caused by the accident.

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