SULEJA, Nigeria (CHATNEWSTV) — At least seven people are feared dead, and more than 80 others sustained severe burns after a petrol tanker explosion Saturday along the Maje-Dikko Road in Niger State’s Suleja Local Government Area.
The tragedy occurred as fuel was being transferred from a fallen tanker to another vehicle, witnesses said.
“A tanker coming from the Minna side of the road fell over. Another tanker arrived to transfer the fuel, but unfortunately, it ignited and went up in flames,” an eyewitness told a reporter.
Most of the victims were burned beyond recognition, while others suffered critical injuries, the witness added.
Emergency responders, including the Federal Fire Service and other security agencies, rushed to the scene and worked to contain the inferno.
Efforts to reach the Niger State police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, for comments were unsuccessful as calls to his phone went unanswered.
By Salisu Ibrahim