MAJIYA, Nigeria — A devastating petrol tanker accident in Majiya village, located in Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, has claimed the lives of over 100 people, with more than 50 others currently hospitalised.
The tragic incident occurred late Tuesday, October 15, 2024, night after the driver of a petrol tanker lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn and spill its highly flammable contents.
The accident took place around 11:30 PM when the tanker, en route from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State, overturned and spilled petrol into nearby gutters and drainages.
Local residents, unaware of the impending danger, reportedly rushed to the scene to collect the spilled fuel.
Moments later, the situation escalated into a catastrophic fire, engulfing the area and leading to a high casualty count.
DSP Lawal Shiisu Adams, the Jigawa State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident and its tragic toll.
“As of now, 95 people have been confirmed dead, and over 50 individuals are receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the fire,” DSP Shiisu said.
He further urged communities to avoid collecting fuel during such accidents, emphasising the extreme danger of these situations.
A Preventable Tragedy
The explosion, which occurred around 12:30 AM, left destruction in its wake and has sent shockwaves through the region.
The villagers who rushed to gather fuel unknowingly put themselves at risk, highlighting the dangers associated with petrol spills and the lack of public awareness about the potential for disaster in such situations.
The accident serves as a stark reminder of the hazards tied to fuel transportation in Nigeria, where incidents of this nature have occurred before.
The combination of unsecured fuel tankers, poor road conditions, and public response to fuel spills has contributed to previous disasters.
Calls for Improved Safety Measures
This latest tragedy has reignited calls for stricter safety regulations in the transportation of fuel and more robust emergency response protocols.
Many are urging the Nigerian government and local authorities to enforce safety guidelines for petrol transporters and to invest in public education campaigns about the dangers of fuel collection from accident sites.
In addition to the immediate loss of life, the accident has left many families and survivors grappling with severe injuries, with many of the hospitalised individuals facing long-term recovery.
Medical teams are working around the clock to treat the victims, many of whom have sustained life-threatening burns.
Community in Mourning
Majiya village, now reeling from this devastating loss, has been plunged into mourning.
Families are struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the tragedy, as local authorities begin the difficult task of identifying the deceased and supporting the survivors.
The incident underscores the need for a coordinated effort to prevent such accidents in the future and ensure that communities understand the grave risks associated with fuel spills.
As the nation comes to terms with this disaster, the focus now shifts to preventing future tragedies of this scale and addressing the underlying safety concerns surrounding fuel transport in Nigeria.
