At least 31 people have d!ed and several others injured while scooping fuel from a petrol tanker conveying Premium Motor Spirit, which exploded along the Bida-Agaie highway in Niger State on Tuesday
According to a statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, the accident occurred around 2:40 pm near Essa Village via Katcha.
“There was a lone tanker vehicle accident along the Bida/Agaie highway, and as a result, the tanker conveying PMS fell by the roadside,” he said.
Abiodun added that residents rushed to the scene to scoop fuel from the overturned tanker, at which point it was suddenly engulfed in an inferno.
“Unfortunately, members of the public living around Essa village via Katcha rushed to the scene and were scooping PMS and in the process, the tanker suddenly engulfed in inferno.
“Forty-eight persons were affected by the fire, and among these victims, thirty-one persons lost their lives while others are still receiving treatment in various nearby hospitals.
“Three motorcycles were also burnt,” the spokesperson said.
Abiodun said officers and other security agencies were deployed to the scene for rescue operations.
He said further investigations are ongoing to identify the driver and owner of the tanker involved.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
RIP to the dead
SO SAD