Niger State Tanker Explosion: 86 Dead, Mass Burial Held
A fuel tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State has left 86 people dead, according to Abdullahi Baba Arah, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA).
The tragic incident occurred when a tanker, en route from Kaduna to Gwagwalada, overturned at the junction, spilling its fuel. Despite warnings to maintain a safe distance, residents gathered to scoop fuel from the site, leading to an explosion that caused massive casualties and destruction.
Mass Burial for Victims
Out of the 86 fatalities, 80 victims were buried in a mass grave at the Dikko Primary Health Care premises. Five bodies were claimed by their families for private burials, and one victim succumbed to injuries at the healthcare center.
The mass burial, organized by NSEMA in collaboration with local government authorities and community volunteers, began at 5 p.m. and concluded at midnight.
Injuries and Property Loss
Arah disclosed that 55 people suffered severe injuries in the explosion and are currently receiving medical treatment. The blast also destroyed property worth millions of naira.
This tragic event underscores the dangers of fuel scooping, a recurring issue in tanker accidents across Nigeria.
What measures do you think should be implemented to prevent such tragedies in the future? Share your thoughts below.
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