MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA – A catastrophic tanker explosion in Majiya has claimed the lives of at least 147 individuals, as confirmed by Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency. The incident occurred in the northwestern town on Tuesday night when a petrol tanker bound for Yobe state overturned after the driver lost control.
Eyewitnesses captured harrowing scenes post-explosion, showcasing formidable flames and smoke while people frantically attempted rescues amidst the inferno. Governor Umar Namadi assessed the damage firsthand on Wednesday, grasping the scale of the human toll.
Sani Umar, a survivor, recounted the harrowing night as he narrowly avoided the spreading fire, describing the ensuing pandemonium as people sought desperate escape routes. The disaster began around 11:30 p.m. when bystanders began collecting spilled fuel from the overturned tanker, despite police warnings about the dangers.
The ensuing explosion led to significant fatalities, prompting concerns from authorities over the public’s unsafe practices at accident sites. Shi’isu Adam from the regional police highlighted the crowd’s dangerous behavior as an aggravating factor in the death toll.
Multiple injured parties have been transported to hospitals for necessary care. Investigations are ongoing, with the area under tight police monitoring.
Jigawa state’s police commissioner, AT Abdullahi, conveyed deep condolences to the affected families and community, reflecting on the widespread sorrow.
A mass burial is planned as the community processes the tragic outcome of this explosion.