Tragedy: Explosion kills five, injures dozens in Zamfara market

DDM News

At least five people lost their lives in a gunpowder explosion at the Talata Mafara market in Zamfara State.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that several others sustained injuries during the tragic incident, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon at the bustling weekly market.

The explosion happened around 3:45 p.m., throwing the entire market into confusion as traders and shoppers ran for safety.

Eyewitnesses reported that the explosion originated from a blacksmith’s workshop within the market premises.

Muhammad Aliyu, a trader who narrowly escaped, described the terrifying moment during a phone conversation with DAILY POST.

“The explosion happened at the blacksmith’s shop,” Aliyu stated.

“I was lucky because I had just walked away before the blast occurred,” he added.

He described the aftermath as horrifying, with fire quickly engulfing the affected area.

“So far, we have recovered five bodies, all burned beyond recognition,” Aliyu revealed.

“More than 50 people have suffered various degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment,” he added.

Medical personnel at Talata Mafara General Hospital are overwhelmed by the number of injured victims.

Doctors and nurses are struggling to provide emergency care due to limited resources.

Some of the victims have suffered severe burns and require urgent medical attention.

Health workers have called for immediate blood donations to help stabilize critically injured patients.

The explosion caused widespread panic, forcing traders and customers to abandon their shops and flee.

Many stalls and nearby structures were affected, with goods worth millions of naira destroyed in the fire.

Rescue workers and security operatives arrived at the scene to assist victims and prevent further casualties.

Authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding the cause of the explosion.

Efforts to obtain comments from the Zamfara State Police Command were unsuccessful at the time of this report.

Security personnel and emergency responders have been deployed to assess the situation and restore order.

Some traders blamed the explosion on the improper handling of gunpowder by blacksmiths in the area.

There are speculations that a buildup of explosive materials may have triggered the sudden blast.

Musa Ibrahim, a trader who lost his shop, lamented the devastating impact of the explosion.

“This explosion has caused so much suffering,” Ibrahim said.

“I lost everything in my shop, and many people are now in the hospital,” he added.

He called on the government to enforce stricter safety regulations in public markets.

Aisha Abdullahi, another eyewitness, described the terrifying moments that followed the explosion.

“It was like a nightmare,” she recalled.

“People were screaming, running in different directions, and covered in burns,” she added.

“I don’t know if I will ever feel safe coming to this market again,” she said.

The explosion has raised concerns about the safety of traders and customers in open markets.

Experts believe the blast may have resulted from improper storage or handling of flammable substances.

Authorities are expected to launch a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion.

Residents are demanding immediate government intervention to assist victims and their families.

Many survivors remain hospitalized, battling injuries sustained in the explosion.

The Zamfara State Government has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

Concerned citizens are calling for better market safety measures to prevent similar disasters.

The explosion serves as a painful reminder of the dangers associated with hazardous materials in public spaces.

Market traders are urging the authorities to introduce strict regulations for handling explosive substances.

The community is mourning the tragic loss of lives caused by the devastating explosion.

Families of the victims are pleading for government support to help them cope with the tragedy.

Many traders are uncertain about returning to the market due to fear of another explosion.

Emergency officials are still working to clear the wreckage and assess the full extent of the damage.

Survivors and witnesses are appealing for more medical supplies to aid the injured.

The explosion has left a lasting impact on the Talata Mafara community.

Authorities must take urgent steps to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

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