A fuel tanker loaded with 40,000 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) overturned and burst into flames on Monday evening along the Agaie-Lapai road, near Bida in Niger State.
The incident, which occurred around 6:30 pm, was reportedly caused by a burst front tire, leading the driver to lose control.
The tanker fell into a drainage and caught fire. Fortunately, no lives were lost, but the driver and his conductor sustained injuries and were immediately rushed to Lapai General Hospital for treatment.
According to an eyewitness, the accident happened in a remote area, and quick action was taken to close the road to prevent further danger.
The Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah, confirmed the incident through the agency’s Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Ibrahim Hussaini.
He stated that officials were dispatched to the scene to assess the situation.
Similarly, the Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement by its spokesman, Superintendent Wasiu Abiodun.
He disclosed that the tanker, with registration number DKA 03 A, was on its way from Lagos to Kaduna when the accident occurred at Kusogbogi, a few kilometers from Agaie.
Abiodun added, “The driver, Shamsudeen Dayabu, and his motor boy sustained injuries but were promptly taken to a nearby hospital. No lives were lost, and the road has since been reopened to traffic.”
This comes just over a week after a deadly tanker explosion in Dikko, Gurara Local Government Area, claimed over 100 lives, injured 60 others, and destroyed more than 20 buildings. Similarly, another explosion on Sunday morning in Sabon-Pegi, Mashegu Local Government Area, left six people injured, 14 houses destroyed, and 27 others partially damaged.
Authorities continue to urge caution among drivers, especially those transporting flammable materials, to prevent such tragedies.
(Prompt news)