On Tuesday in Niger State’s Katcha Local Government Area, agencies responded to a petrol tanker that had overturned in Essa community. The tanker fell at around 3:45 p.m. on the Agaie–Bida road and eventually exploded, according to NEMA’s statement. (Vanguard News)
NEMA reported that 39 persons lost their lives and over 60 were injured, many with severe burns, in the explosion. The victims included men, women and children—all caught up in the fiery aftermath. (TheCable)
The agency added that its ministration team, under Director-General Zubaida Umar, dispatched a rescue unit from the Minna Operations Office to the incident scene to support the state emergency management and other first-responders. (Vanguard News)
Reports indicate that as the tanker overturned and fuel spilled, residents gathered to collect the leaking petrol—an action that likely precipitated the explosion. "The victims were reportedly among those attempting to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker when the explosion occurred." (ICIR News)
In light of the tragedy, NEMA urged the public to avoid such dangerous behaviour, warning that approaching overturned fuel-vehicles and scooping fuel puts lives at risk. (TheCable)
State Governor Umaru Bago, expressed deep sorrow, describing it as “disheartening” that despite repeated warnings, people still approach fallen tankers to collect fuel. (Vanguard News)
Moreover, lawmakers from the northern region also weighed in. The Northern Senators Forum conveyed their condolences and called on safety regulators like the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to step up enforcement of road-worthiness standards and hazardous material transport protocols. (Channels Television)
Key facts at a glance
Location: Essa community, Katcha LGA, Niger State, along Agaie–Bida road. (TheCable)
Time of incident: Approx. 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday. (Vanguard News)
Casualties: 39 confirmed dead, over 60 injured (many severely burned). (TheCable)
Cause: Tanker overturned and spilled fuel; crowd gathered to scoop fuel; subsequent explosion. (ICIR News)
Response: NEMA dispatched rescue team; local agencies engaged in evacuation and treatment of victims. (Vanguard News)
Warning: Public advised not to approach accident scenes or attempt fuel-scooping from tankers. (TheCable)
Broader context
This tragic incident adds to a series of deadly tanker explosions in Nigeria, many of which were linked to people gathering to collect spilled fuel from overturned tankers. Such accidents are often exacerbated by factors including poor road infrastructure, inadequate transport regulation, and high fuel prices that encourage risky behaviour. (ICIR News)
