Dikko petrol tanker explosion death toll now 70
At least 70 people have been confirmed dead in the petrol tanker explosion tragedy that occurred at Dikko junction in Niger State today.
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“The death toll stands at 70 so far,” Kumar Tsukwam, the head of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, in Niger State, told newsmen.
He put the accident scene as Dikko-Maje Road opposite Badeggi Fuelling Station in Suleja Local Government Area.
Earlier Sensenews reported that mostly affected in the tragedy were youths within the area and some women.
Besides the many lives lost, several others were said to have sustained various degrees of injury while many houses and shops were also reportedly razed completely in the inferno.
An eyewitness in the area told our reporter that the accident occurred when a tanker laden with petrol overturned, and another was brought to take in the petrol from the fallen one.
As the transfer of fuel into the new truck was about to begin, residents of the area, mostly youths and some women, rushed to the scene to scoop the fuel from the accident tanker.
“As the scooping continued, there was a loud explosion from the tanker, which immediately resulted in wild fire that engulfed the scoopers and the two vehicles.
“Those mostly trapped were the youths, who turned deaf ears to the calls from people around, of the dangers inherent in their action.
“And in the twinkle of an eye, many of them including women were trapped and roasted beyond recognition,” the eye witness declared.
Many people within the area had to flee the scene as they could not render any assistance, as there was no immediate response from the fire service men to stop the spread.
Meanwhile, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has expressed shock over the explosion.
The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, described the incident as “worrisome, heartbreaking and unfortunate”.
While sympathising with the families of the victims of the explosion and the repose of lives of the deceased, the governor cautioned the people to always be responsible and give priority to their safety.
He he directed all the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to do what is necessary while urging the Security Agents to also ensure security in the area.