At least 39 people have been confirmed dead and over 60 injured after a petrol tanker exploded in Niger State while residents attempted to scoop fuel from the crashed vehicle.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 39 people have died and more than 60 sustained injuries following a petrol tanker explosion in Essa community, Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to reports, the incident occurred on Tuesday along the Agaie–Bida road after the tanker overturned and residents rushed to scoop fuel from the leaking vehicle before it exploded.
In a statement, NEMA said, “Upon receiving the distress report, the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, immediately directed the Head of NEMA Minna Operations Office, Mr. Hussaini Isah, to activate the rescue team and deploy to the scene to support the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and other responders in rescue operations.”
The agency added that the explosion occurred around 3:45 p.m., killing 39 people and leaving over 60 others with severe burns, including men, women, and children.
While sympathizing with the victims’ families, Umar cautioned Nigerians against scooping fuel from accident scenes, warning that such actions often end in tragedy.
Governor Umar Bago described the incident as “disheartening,” lamenting that residents ignored repeated warnings on the dangers of approaching fallen tankers.