In a tragic incident on Tuesday, a fuel tanker exploded in the Essan-Badeggi area along the Bida Agaie Road in Katcha Local Government Area, Niger State, after it overturned and residents rushed to scoop spilled petrol.

 Eyewitnesses report that the blast incinerated many victims instantly while dozens more were severely burned. Local sources say around 30 people died and about 40 others were injured. 

Confirming the catastrophe, officials from the tanker drivers’ union and emergency agencies said the vehicle was en route from Lagos to northern Nigeria when it met disaster on the poorly maintained road.  Niger State Governor Umaru Bago expressed condolences to the affected families and called for greater awareness about the dangers of approaching accident scenes.