At least 94 people tragically lost their lives in a devastating petrol tanker explosion in Majiya Town, located in the Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State. The explosion occurred late on Tuesday night, according to a report by News360 Nigeria. Mr. Shi'isu Adam, the Police Spokesperson for Jigawa State, confirmed the death toll in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.
The tanker, which was en route from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State, lost control near Khadija University around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The vehicle exploded, causing widespread destruction. Adam expressed deep concern that despite repeated warnings from the police to avoid gathering at accident scenes involving fuel tankers, many people crowded around the site, leading to the high number of casualties.
In addition to the confirmed deaths, over 50 people sustained various degrees of injuries and have been hospitalized at the Ringim General Hospital, where they are receiving medical treatment. The authorities are set to conduct a mass burial for the victims at 9 a.m. on Wednesday.
The tragic event has raised alarms about the public's response to such accidents and underscores the importance of adhering to safety warnings during fuel-related emergencies. The Jigawa State Police Command continues to monitor the situation closely while ensuring the injured receive proper medical attention.
