In the early hours of Sunday, a devastating tanker explosion occurred on the Lapai-Agaie road, about 2 kilometers from Dendo Community in the Agaie Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State.
The incident, which took place around 12:30 am, involved a petrol tanker loaded with gasoline colliding with a truck carrying passengers and cattle.
The collision, involving a trailer traveling from Wudil in Kano State to Lagos, triggered a massive explosion.
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The explosion also engulfed two other vehicles—a crane truck and a pickup van—causing further destruction.
Initial reports indicate that over 48 people perished in the blaze, and more than 50 cattle were burned alive. The 48 deceased were given a mass burial on Sunday.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), in conjunction with Local Government Emergency Committees (LGEMCs), swiftly dispatched a Rapid Response Team (RRT) to the scene.
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Rescue operations are ongoing as responders search for additional victims, with several bodies still trapped in the charred wreckage.
NSEMA Director General Abdullahi Baba-arah assured the public that efforts are being made to manage the crisis and expressed profound condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
Governor Umaru Bago also expressed his sorrow over the incident. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor conveyed his deep pain over the disaster. He extended his sympathies to those who suffered losses and urged road users to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent future accidents.
The governor also prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and a swift recovery for the injured.
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