The death toll from the petrol tanker explosion in Niger State, Nigeria, has risen to 86, with 55 others injured, officials confirmed on Sunday.
The tragic incident occurred on January 18, 2025, at Dikko Junction when residents gathered to collect fuel leaking from an overturned tanker. The fuel ignited, causing a massive explosion that claimed the lives of those at the scene, including rescuers.
According to Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the majority of the victims were buried in a mass grave at the Dikko Primary Healthcare Centre premises.
“A total of 86 persons have been confirmed dead, with their remains recovered and buried. Eighty were interred in a mass grave, five were claimed by their families, and one passed away at the healthcare centre,” Baba-Arah reported.
Mass Burial and Rescue Efforts
The mass burial was conducted on Saturday evening, involving local authorities, NSEMA, and volunteers. The process began at 5 p.m. and continued into the night.
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State visited the scene and announced new safety measures to prevent similar incidents. The state government has restricted vehicles from the Maje axis from crossing the Dikko Bridge, redirecting them to use the underpass and designated U-turns instead.
Doctors from Minna hospitals have been redeployed to Suleja General Hospital to provide medical care to the injured. Authorities are working to identify victims as families continue to search for missing loved ones.
Initial reports recorded 70 fatalities and 50 injuries, but the death toll rose as more bodies were recovered. Investigations into the tragedy are ongoing.
This devastating explosion highlights the dangers associated with fuel collection from tanker accidents and underscores the need for stringent safety measures to prevent such catastrophes.