A devastating petrol tanker explosion in Majiya Town, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State has claimed the lives of at least 90 people, while 50 others have been hospitalized with serious injuries. The tragic incident occurred late on Tuesday night, around 11:30 p.m., after the driver of a fuel tanker lost control of the vehicle near Khadija University, resulting in a massive explosion.
Confirming the tragedy, Mr. Shi’isu Adam, the Police Public Relations Officer in Jigawa, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday that the tanker was en route from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State when the accident occurred.
“The driver lost control, leading to the explosion, and unfortunately, a large number of people gathered at the scene, which contributed to the high casualty count,” Adam explained. Despite repeated warnings from the police urging people to stay away from accident scenes, many residents had flocked to the area when the tanker caught fire, resulting in the mass fatalities.
The explosion also injured 50 others, who are now receiving treatment at Ringim General Hospital. Authorities have arranged for the mass burial of the victims to take place on Wednesday morning.
Adam expressed deep concern over the continued disregard for safety warnings at accident sites, noting that such incidents have previously led to similar tragedies. “We urge the public to exercise caution and avoid gathering at scenes of fuel-related accidents to prevent further loss of life,” he added.
The incident has plunged the local community into mourning as residents and authorities work to provide medical care for the injured and support for the grieving families. The full scale of the disaster is still unfolding, with many in critical condition. The tanker explosion highlights the dangers posed by fuel accidents, especially in densely populated areas where bystanders are often drawn to accident scenes.
