A tragic tanker explosion occurred on Saturday morning near Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, close to the popular Dikko Saturday Market along the Abuja/Kaduna Highway. The petrol tanker, which overturned and spilled its contents, erupted into flames, resulting in significant loss of life and injuries.
Eyewitnesses reported that several people, including a pregnant woman and a mother with a one-week-old baby, were burned to death while attempting to scoop fuel from the tanker. A traveler heading to Minna estimated that over 30 people lost their lives in the incident.
The explosion, which happened near the bustling market, caused panic and disrupted activities as emergency responders from the Niger State Fire Service rushed to the scene to contain the fire. Despite their swift response, the exact number of casualties remains unknown.
Members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) joined the rescue efforts, helping to evacuate victims and provide aid. An eye witness described the tragic aftermath, saying, “I saw the bodies of the victims, but I cannot confirm the exact number of fatalities. Among the deceased were a pregnant woman and some children.”
The proximity of the explosion to the Dikko Saturday Market highlighted the potential for even greater disaster and underscored the need for stringent safety measures to prevent such incidents on major highways.
Credit: NUJ FCT Council
