A devastating tragedy struck Niger State, Nigeria, after a fuel tanker explosion claimed more than 35 lives and left dozens of others with severe injuries. The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, in the Essan community, Katcha Local Government Area, along the Bida–Badegi–Agaie road.
According to reports, the petrol tanker skidded off the road and overturned, spilling its content. In a desperate attempt to collect the leaking fuel, several residents gathered around the vehicle with containers. Moments later, the tanker exploded, engulfing the area in flames and resulting in massive casualties.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed that 39 people were killed, while more than 60 others sustained serious burns. NEMA announced the development in a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, adding that emergency response teams have been deployed to the scene to assist victims and manage the aftermath of the disaster.
Eyewitnesses described the explosion as one of the most horrifying scenes in recent memory, with bodies burnt beyond recognition and nearby structures destroyed. Rescue operations reportedly continued late into the evening as officials struggled to contain the fire and evacuate the injured to nearby hospitals.
Authorities have once again urged citizens to refrain from scooping fuel from accident sites, warning that such actions often lead to deadly consequences. The Niger State Government, in collaboration with NEMA and other emergency agencies, has begun an investigation into the cause of the accident and pledged support for affected families.
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