A devastating petrol tanker explosion in Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State has claimed the lives of 48 people, leading to a mass burial for the victims.
According to The PUNCH, the incident occurred early Sunday morning when a petrol tanker collided with a trailer carrying travelers and cattle along the Lapai-Agaie Road, approximately two kilometers from Dendo Community.
According to Abdullahi Baba-Arab, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency 48 victims who were burned beyond recognition have been buried.
The accident happened at around 12:30 a.m. when the fuel-laden tanker collided with the trailer traveling from Wudil, Kano State, to Lagos.
Two additional vehicles, a crane truck, and a pickup van, were also engulfed in the flames.
In a statement, Baba-Arab confirmed the discovery of more bodies during the rescue operation, bringing the initial death toll of 30 up to 48.
“Following further search and rescue operations, my agency discovered 18 more bodies, all of which were burned beyond recognition. All the dead have now been given a mass burial,” he said.
The explosion not only claimed human lives but also resulted in the death of over 50 cattle, which were on board the trailer. [tps_start_button label=”Start slideshow”
The incident has sparked concern, and emergency teams continue their search for any additional victims trapped in the wreckage.
The state emergency agency and local government emergency management committees are collaborating to complete the recovery and assist the affected families.
