A petrol tanker exploded at Azare in the Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State on Saturday morning.

It was learned that the incident occurred around 3 am when the tanker, which had discharged its content at a filling station in the town, went up in flames and claimed two lives.

A source told our correspondent that the tanker was going out of the town when an electric wire fell on it causing it to explode, a development that caused confusion in the town forcing residents to forsake sleep and scamper for safety.

The incident occurred at the First Bank Roundabout along the General Hospital Road within the Azare town.

“It was in the process of scampering for safety that the two persons, who were trapped in the inferno, were burnt to death. Their bodies were later evacuated and deposited at the General Hospital morgue,” he said.

When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, Bauchi State Command, Ahmed Wakil, confirmed the incident, noting that the injured persons have been rushed to the hospital and first responders had since put out the fire.