A tragic petrol tanker explosion occurred Wednesday morning in Majia Town, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, claiming the lives of over 90 people and leaving 50 others hospitalized.
The incident occurred around 12:30 AM when a tanker, en route from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State, lost control near Khadija University, Majia.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer for the Jigawa State Command, DSP Lawan Adam, the explosion was triggered as residents rushed to collect spilt petrol from the overturned tanker.
“While scooping fuel, the tanker exploded, igniting a massive inferno that killed 94 people on the spot,” he said. The injured were taken to Ringim and Hadejia General Hospitals for treatment.
The authorities have begun mass burials for the victims, and the community is in deep mourning.
Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, AT Abdullahi, expressed condolences to the affected families, calling for increased public awareness of the dangers of petrol explosions and urging residents to notify authorities in the event of such accidents.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with residents struggling to flee the rapidly spreading fire. One survivor, Sani Umar, recounted the panic, saying, “It was terrifying. People were running, screaming for help, but the fire spread too fast.”
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with fuel-scooping and the need for immediate reporting to authorities in similar situations to prevent further loss of life.
