In a tragic incident on Tuesday night, at least 90 people were confirmed dead following the explosion of a petrol-laden tanker on the Kano-Hadejia expressway, Jigawa State.
The accident occurred near Khadija University in Majia Town, Taura local government area, at about 11:30 p.m., according to the state police command.
Shi’isu Adam, spokesperson for the Jigawa police, reported that 50 others were injured, some severely, after the tanker tipped over and exploded. Many of the victims were attempting to scoop fuel from the tanker before the explosion occurred.
“The driver left Kano and was heading to Nguru in Yobe when the accident happened,” Adam explained.
“People gathered around the accident scene. That is the reason for the mass casualty.”
Despite repeated warnings from authorities about the dangers of approaching overturned fuel tankers, crowds still gathered at the scene, leading to the high number of casualties.
“We are worried that in spite of police warning for people to steer clear from scenes of accidents involving fuel tankers, they still engage in such acts,” Adam added.
The victims are scheduled for a mass burial at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, while those injured are receiving treatment at Ringim General Hospital.