How did as many as 140 people die in one of Nigeria’s deadliest tanker explosions?
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigerian authorities have announced measures to correct lapses that resulted in the deaths of more than 140 people in an explosion on Wednesday as they were trying to scoop up fuel from an overturned fuel tanker in one of the deadliest road accidents ever in the West African nation.
Most of the victims in the accident in Jigawa state were burned to death close to the tanker but some were caught in the fire as they tried to assist others, witnesses say. It is a recurring disaster in one of Africa’s top oil-producing countries, where tankers are the main source of transporting fuel across states.
The Nigerian Federal Road Safety Corps issued a nationwide order to implement the minimum safety standards for fuel tankers before they are allowed on the road, its spokesman Olusegun Ogungbemide said.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu also said he is committed to a “swift and comprehensive” review of fuel transportation safety protocols across the country, according to a statement issued Wednesday night by his office.
The latest accident happened at midnight as the tanker driver lost control of the vehicle in the remote town of Majiya, where the emergency services could not arrive until several hours later, according to Dr. Haruna Mairiga, head of the Jigawa disaster management agency.
Danladi Umar, one of the survivors, said those who escaped the fire tried to intervene and help the others but the fire quickly spread and caught up with them.
“Motorcyclists and passersby (also) died as a result (and) others died while trying to rescue their friends and family members,” Umar said.
One of the victims was Muhammad Shu’aibu Majia’s 15-year-old son, who he said was also trying to help others. Majia’s second son was also affected and is being treated for severe burns.
At a government hospital in Kano where the critically injured were sent Wednesday night, Majia joined other parents, all looking agitated. Some had mats, suggesting they might have spent the night within the hospital premises.
“It’s the will of God. They were there attempting to rescue some of the victims when they became also affected,” Majia said of his children.
Across many Nigerian roads, overturned fuel tankers are a common sight, sometimes in traffic during the day. There were more than 1,500 such accidents resulting in 535 deaths in 2020, according to Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps.
Many of those who die in such accidents are people trying to salvage fuel to store at home, a practice that has continued despite safety warnings. Already faced with high rates of poverty and hunger, many Nigerians are struggling with soaring fuel prices that have tripled since the government ended costly gas subsidies last year.
One major cause of such accidents, and why they usually result in explosions, is that many petrol tankers are not designed according to international best practices, said Timothy Iwuagwu, president of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria.
Most tanker drivers are not properly trained on safety measures such as not overloading and adhering to speed limits, and that makes accidents so common, Iwuagwu said.
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Umar reported from Kano, Nigeria. Associated Press journalist Dan Ikpoyi in Lagos, Nigeria contributed.
Death toll in Kigoogwa fuel tanker explosion rises to 24
October 28, 2024
Written by URN
The death toll from the tragic Kigoogwa town fuel tanker explosion has increased to 24 as police on Sunday handed over 11 identified bodies to their families.
The incident occurred last Tuesday when a tanker, registration number, UAM 292Q, en route from Kampala to Gulu, overturned and subsequently ignited.
The explosion happened as bystanders attempted to siphon fuel from the leaking tanker, killing 11 people instantly and injuring many others. The fire also spread to nearby homes, where additional victims suffocated due to the intense smoke and flames.
At least 26 injured persons were rushed to Kiruddu hospital and Bombo Military hospital for treatment. Dr Moses Byaruhanga, police director of health services, said the death toll comprised 18 men and six women. He said due to severe burns, some bodies were charred beyond recognition, necessitating DNA testing to identify the victims.
Yesterday Sunday, the police returned 11 bodies to bereaved families at Mulago City Mortuary after matching DNA test results with family members. Some of the deceased who died in hospitals had already been handed over to their families, while three feet belonging to unidentified children remain at the mortuary, awaiting further DNA testing.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja was represented by minister of State for National Guidance Godfrey Kabbyanga during the handover ceremony. Kabbyanga announced that the government had provided Shs 5 million to each bereaved family to assist with burial expenses.
He also mentioned plans to support business owners who lost property in the fire. Efforts to locate the fuel tanker’s driver, who is wanted for further investigations, are ongoing.
The sombre atmosphere was palpable throughout Kigoogwa as families prepared for burials on Sunday. Identified victims included Joseph Muwonge, 24; Teddy Nakamya, 26, and her daughters, Chelsea Nakayaga, 5, and Polly Namutebi, 3, who tragically died in their home; as well as Gloria Namukose, Lubega Mahad, Samuel Matutu Morgan, 25; Alex Ssendi, 32; and Ahmed Ssemwezi, 22, among others.
