The death toll from Tuesday’s petrol tanker explosion in the Essa community of Katcha Local Government Area, Niger State, has risen to 42, with more than 60 others injured, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
NEMA reported that the tanker lost control due to the poor condition of the road, overturned, and exploded shortly after spilling fuel. The blast killed 42 people — including nine men, 24 women, and nine children — and left dozens with severe burns.
Over 60 injured victims are currently receiving treatment at the Primary Health Care Centre in Essa, Idris Private Hospital, and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Bida. Many of the victims were reportedly scooping spilled petrol before the explosion occurred.
Emergency responders from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), NEMA, and local volunteers were deployed to conduct rescue operations and maintain order.
The Niger State government has supplied drugs and medical materials worth over ₦10 million to hospitals treating the victims and offered financial assistance to affected families. Officials also commended the Federal Medical Centre Bida and state emergency teams for their swift and coordinated response.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, expressed sorrow over the tragedy, lamenting that despite repeated public warnings, some citizens continue to endanger their lives by scooping fuel from accident scenes.
“The incident is saddening because, despite sustained public sensitisation and repeated warnings about the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, some citizens still take such life-threatening risks,” Idris said.
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Residents blamed the accident on the deplorable state of the road and urged the government to rehabilitate federal highways in the region.
Fatal petrol tanker explosions remain a recurring tragedy in Nigeria, often linked to poor road infrastructure, unsafe driving practices, and the continued public disregard for safety warnings at accident scenes.
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Source:Africa Publicity
