A devastating tanker explosion occurred today at approximately 9:00 am along the Dikko-Maje road, opposite the Baddegi fueling station in Suleja Local Government Area (LGA), resulting in over 70 fatalities, 56 injuries, and significant property damage.
The explosion was triggered when a tanker transporting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) crashed, and during an attempt to transfer its contents to another tanker, spilled fuel came into contact with a generator being used for the transfer. The resulting inferno destroyed over 15 shops and caused extensive injuries to members of the community and passers-by.
Emergency response teams, including the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the Suleja LGA Emergency Committee, and volunteers, are actively engaged in search, rescue, and recovery operations. The injured have been transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention, while recovery efforts for the deceased are ongoing. Many of the fatalities were burned beyond recognition.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Minna Operations Office, under the leadership of Head of Operations Mr. Hussaini Isah, promptly mobilized stakeholders and dispatched personnel to manage the crisis and assist in relief efforts.
NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, expressed profound sympathy for the victims and their families. She condemned the improper handling of flammable materials, emphasizing the recurring tragedies resulting from such hazardous practices. Mrs. Umar highlighted that despite extensive public awareness campaigns on the dangers of mishandling spilled fuel, these warnings continue to be ignored, leading to catastrophic consequences.
Under Mrs. Umar’s directive, NEMA’s emergency team is collaborating with first responders to manage the aftermath, including the evacuation of victims and provision of necessary assistance to the affected community. She reaffirmed NEMA’s dedication to public safety and the prevention of similar incidents through ongoing awareness and rapid response initiatives.
This incident starkly underscores the critical importance of adhering to stringent safety protocols in the handling and transportation of hazardous materials.
