October 16, (THEWILL) – At least 94 people have been killed in Majiya, a village in Jigawa state when a crashed tanker exploded near locals who had gathered to retrieve fuel on Tuesday evening.
The spokesperson of the State Police Command, Shiisu Lawan Adam, said the explosion occurred when residents rushed to scoop fuel after the tanker somersaulted and spilled fuel into a ditch.
“The driver lost control and the tanker somersaulted and spilled fuel into a drainage ditch. As a result, residents rushed to scoop the fuel when the explosion happened”, he said.
Adam said at least 50 people were seriously injured, adding that the death toll was provisional.
“The driver left Kano and was heading to Nguru in Yobe when the accident happened at about 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday in Majia Town, Taura local government area of Jigawa.
“The tanker driver lost control near Khadija University and the tanker somersaulted and spilled fuel into a drainage ditch. As a result, residents rushed to scoop the fuel when the explosion happened.
“We are worried that in spite of police warning for people to steer clear from scenes of accidents involving fuel tankers, they still engage in such acts. People gathered around the accident scene. That is the reason for the mass casualty”, Adam explained.
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