At least 105 people have been confirmed dead and 55 others injured in a petrol tanker explosion that occurred Majiya town, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The incident, which occurred late Tuesday night, has been described as one of the deadliest accidents in the region.
According to The PUNCH, the Public Relations Officer of the Jigawa State Police Command, Shiisu Adam, confirmed the casualty figures during a phone interview.
“As of now, we have confirmed 105 fatalities, while 55 people have been injured and are receiving treatment,” Adam said.
The explosion took place around 11:30 pm when a petrol tanker, en route from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State, lost control near Khadija University. The tanker reportedly overturned and exploded, leading to widespread destruction.
In the aftermath of the blast, local residents rushed to the scene to collect spilled fuel, which tragically resulted in many of the fatalities.
“Some of the victims were caught in the explosion while attempting to scoop the fuel,” a witness revealed.
The injured were initially taken to Ringim General Hospital, but the severity of their injuries and the limited number of available beds necessitated the transfer of some to Federal Medical Centre Birnin Kudu for further treatment.
Authorities are preparing for a mass burial for the deceased, many of whom were burned beyond recognition.
