- A petrol tanker explosion resulted in the death of 105 individuals and left 55 injured
- Another petrol tanker overturned, causing a fire that injured several people and destroyed properties on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
- Residents described chaotic scenes as flames engulfed vehicles in the Ibafo area of the state
No fewer than 105 people lost their lives, and 55 others were injured following the explosion of a petrol tanker in Jigawa.
The tanker explosion occurred around 12:30 a.m. when the driver, making a journey from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State, lost control near Khadija University, Majiya, according to reports.
It was also gathered that after the incident, some people went to the scene to scoop spilt petrol, resulting in multiple fatalities.
Residents recount horror as fire spreads quickly in Jigawa tanker explosion
Sani Umar, a resident who narrowly escaped the fire, said, “It was terrifying. People were running in all directions, screaming for help. The fire spread so quickly that many couldn’t escape.”
The Commissioner of Police in Jigawa State, AT Abdullahi, shared his condolences with the families of those lost and the people of Jigawa State.
“This is a heartbreaking moment for us all.
“We share in the pain and sorrow of the families affected. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the bereaved,” Abdullahi stated.
Multiple injuries reported in tragic petrol tanker explosion on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
In a similar incident on the morning of Wednesday, October 16, a fire accident in the Ibafo area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State resulted in multiple injuries, with several vehicles and houses reportedly burnt.
The incident occurred early on Wednesday, October 16, when a petrol-laden tanker overturned on the Ibafo section of the expressway in front of a commercial bank.
Ogun Police confirm Ibafo fire incident
Confirming the incident, Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer Omolola Odutola reported that the tanker driver was injured and was taken to the hospital.
“The incident involved a Fiat truck, but we don’t have the driver’s name or address yet.
“It occurred when the driver lost control and collided with the roadside curb, causing the tanker to overturn and ignite. The fire then spread to the truck and eventually engulfed it,” the police spokesperson stated.
Fire destroys vehicles, homes, livestock in Ibafo, Ogun state
The fire reportedly caused significant destruction in the area, burning vehicles valued in the millions, as well as homes and livestock.
Odutola further said, “Additionally, the flames reached the Osadol Petrol Station, damaging two trucks parked outside.
“The fire service was contacted, but local community members and police officers managed to contain it while waiting for their arrival.
“The truck driver has been taken to Real Divine Touch Hospital in Ibafo for medical treatment.”
Tam-George blames Wike for fire incidents at 4 local government areas in Rivers
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that suspected thugs set four local government secretariats in Rivers State on fire.
Austin Tam-George, a former Commissioner for Information in Rivers State, accused Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, of attempting to destabilise the state.