35 Die, 46 Injured in Niger State Fuel Tanker Explosion

By our Correspondent

Thirty-five people have lost their lives in an inferno that occurred on Tuesday along the Bida–Lapai route, near Badegi in Niger State.

The victims were caught in the fire explosion while attempting to scoop fuel from a crashed tanker.

The explosion, which involved a fully loaded Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) tanker, also left forty-six (46) persons with varying degrees of injuries.

According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) emergency rescue team, the crash occurred at about 12:15 p.m. when a tanker laden with fuel lost control due to the bad stretch of the road and overturned.

Moments after the crash, residents reportedly trooped to the scene to scoop fuel from the fallen tanker.

Tragedy struck when the volatile substance ignited, resulting in an inferno that consumed 35 victims and destroyed properties.

While commiserating with the victims and their families, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Mallam Shehu Mohammed, described the incident as “a needless national tragedy born out of ignorance, greed, and disregard for safety warnings.”

Mallam Shehu Mohammed reiterated that scooping fuel from fallen tankers or tampering with crash scenes amounts to inviting death with open arms, as such volatile materials are highly flammable and unpredictable.

“This is not just a crash; it is a painful reminder that every time people ignore safety advice and rush to scoop petrol, they gamble with their lives. No litre of fuel is worth a human life,” he stated.

He therefore directed all FRSC formations nationwide to intensify community-based sensitisation, particularly in rural and high-risk areas, to warn residents against approaching or tampering with fuel-laden crash sites.

The Corps Marshal also urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and local authorities to join hands with the Corps in educating communities on the deadly consequences of fuel scooping.

He stressed that the FRSC remains committed to ensuring safer road environments and preventing tragedies of this nature through sustained public enlightenment, enforcement, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.