Governor Mohammed Umaru-Bago of Niger State has expressed sadness over the petrol tanker explosion that killed 48 people and 50 cows in Essa village in Katcha Local Government Area.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Sunday morning incident occurred along the Bida-Agaie-Lapai highway.
Bago, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, described the incident as “painful, unfortunate and devastating”.
“The loss is colossal; it is quite saddening,” he said.
While commiserating with those who suffered losses, he said that government, through the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), and other relevant agenciesThe incident, which occurred around 12:30 am, involved a petrol tanker loaded with petrol that collided with a truck carrying passengers and cattle.
The trailer, coming from Wudil in Kano State and en route to Lagos, was heavily impacted by the collision, which led to a massive explosion.
Two other vehicles, a crane truck, and a pickup van, were also caught in the inferno, intensifying the devastation.
Initial reports indicate that more than 48 persons lost their lives in the inferno, while over 50 cattle were burnt alive. The 48 bodies were given a mass burial on Sunday.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), in collaboration with Local Government Emergency Committees (LGEMCs), immediately dispatched a Rapid Response Team (RRT) to the scene. Rescue operations are ongoing as emergency responders continue to search for more victims, with several bodies still trapped inside the charred vehicles.
Director General of NSEMA, Abdullahi Baba-arah, in a statement assured the public that efforts were being made to manage the situation while expressing deep condolences to the families of those affected by the tragic event., had mobilised to the scene for rescue operations.
He urged road users to always be cautious and abide by road traffic regulations to safeguard lives and property.
Bago prayed to God to comfort the families of victims and grant quick recovery to those injured.
The explosion, which occurred about two kilometers away from Dendo Community in Agaie, left many dead, cattle burnt while vehicles and properties were destroyed.(NAN)
