The Jigawa State Police Command has said that the large number of casualties in Tuesday’s fuel tanker explosion in Majiya town, Taura Local Government Area, was due to people attempting to scoop fuel after the tanker crash.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Lawan Shiisu, explained in a statement to journalists that despite warnings from the police, people in the area ignored safety instructions and rushed to collect fuel spilled from the tanker. This triggered the deadly explosion.
“Despite the efforts of the police, who had cordoned off the area and issued warnings to the public, people resisted and started scooping the fuel, triggering a devastating explosion,” Shiisu said.
He added that the police struggled to control the situation as many bystanders moved dangerously close to the accident site. “The tanker, loaded with petrol, ignited shortly after the crash, causing an inferno that engulfed numerous people in the vicinity,” he added.
The injured victims were taken to the Ringim General Hospital, where medical staff are working tirelessly to treat them. However, the death toll, which currently stands at 94, may increase as several of the injured remain in critical condition.
The State Police Commissioner, AT Abdullahi, has expressed condolences to the residents of Jigawa, particularly the people of Majiya town. He urged the public to always stay away from accident sites involving hazardous materials like fuel to avoid such tragedies.
“When the accident occurred, people started rushing to scoop fuel, and in the process, fire ignited from nowhere, leading to the death of many and injuring several others,” Shiisu warned.
The incident has left 94 people dead on the spot, with 50 others battling for their lives at the hospital.
