A tragic tanker explosion in Niger State on September 8, 2024, claimed over 48 lives when a petrol tanker collided with a passenger truck. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with more victims feared trapped in the wreckage. Governor Umaru Bago urged road users to exercise caution to prevent future incidents.
In the early hours of Sunday, September 8, 2024, a devastating tanker explosion occurred on the Lapai-Agaie road near Dendo Community in Niger State, claiming the lives of over 48 individuals. The tragedy unfolded around 12:30 AM when a petrol tanker, transporting gasoline, collided with a truck carrying passengers and cattle.
The collision led to a massive explosion, engulfing two additional vehicles—a crane truck and a pickup van—caught in the flames. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos and devastation as the inferno quickly spread. Rescue operations were promptly initiated by the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and Local Government Emergency Committees (LGEMCs), with teams deployed to search for victims amid the wreckage.
Initial assessments indicated that more than 48 victims had died, with their bodies later given a mass burial. The explosion also resulted in the loss of over 50 cattle, exacerbating the tragedy.
NSEMA Director General Abdullahi Baba-arah expressed condolences to the families affected, affirming ongoing efforts to manage the situation. Meanwhile, Governor Umaru Bago conveyed his sorrow over the incident, urging road users to adhere to traffic regulations to prevent such calamities in the future. As rescue operations continue, the governor prayed for the souls of the deceased and a swift recovery for the injured.
