The tragic Niger state tanker explosion that occurred earlier Saturday at Dikko Junction, has reportedly claimed no fewer than 77 lives and left many with various degree of injuries.
Eyewitness reports suggest that most of the victims of the devastating incident are youths and women who were struggling to scoop out contents of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)-ladened tanker which flipped over at Dikko junction around the Abuja-Kaduna expressway.
While modalities were being put in place to transfer the PMS to another tanker when the one conveying it fell, some members of the community were said to have gathered to take some spoils from the scene, along the line, the fuel made contact with the generator which was been used to facilitate the transfer. Sadly, scores were caught up by the inferno which burnt many to death beyond recognition while others were rushed to hospitals for treatment.
As at Saturday evening, the death toll had risen to 77 while about 25 victims were said to be receiving treatment in various hospitals in Suleja, Wuse, and other nearby health facilities.
The Niger state governor, Umaru Bago commiserate with the family of the victims and also commended the indefatigable efforts of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Fire Service, and Road Safety, among other agencies who contributed to the evacuation of the victims.
He also directed that no vehicle coming from the Maje axis should be allowed to pass through the Dikko Bridge. He enjoined the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps to establish a detachment in the area to ensure the enforcement of the directive while calling on all relevant transport Unions to cooperate with the Road Safety Corps.
Governor Bago described the devastating incidents as being “pathetic” while he also thanked God that the tragic incident did not extend to the adjoining communities
Using the opportunity, he called on the Federal Government to expedite action to complete the Minna-Suleja road as the delay in the road project is contributing to the continuous loss of many lives.
