Jigawa tanker explosion: Investigation panel confirms 209 dead, 99 injured

A tanker explosion in Majiya town, Jigawa State, which occurred on October 14, 2024, claimed not less than 209 lives, while 99 others suffered varying degrees of injuries, according to findings presented by the Jigawa Tanker Explosion Investigation Panel.

The tragedy caused collateral damage, including human and material losses, with properties worth millions of naira destroyed and 167 families severely affected.

The panel’s chairman, Hafizu Inuwa, confirmed these figures while submitting the committee’s report to Governor Umar Namadi on Wednesday in Dutse.

Following the tragedy, Namadi constituted a 25-member investigative panel to unravel the remote and immediate causes of the disaster and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences.

At the close of the day, the panel identified multiple factors that led to the tragedy, which include road infrastructure, like damaged speed-breakers and potholes adjacent to the accident scene.

Night driving and excessive speeding were also highlighted and noted as other contributing factors, as the inferno was reportedly ignited by friction from metallic containers used by victims attempting to scoop spilt fuel.

Further, Inuwa reported that 38 injured victims were still in the hospital, while 61 others have been discharged.

The disaster’s toll on human life and livelihoods necessitated a broad examination of the circumstances and safety lapses that led to the incident.

The committee made several recommendations to avert similar tragedies in the future, which include regular inspections and enforcement of safety protocols for petroleum transporters and articulated vehicles.

Upgrading emergency response centres and equipping health facilities with trauma and burn units, as well as establishing a dedicated road traffic control agency.

Providing social protection for vulnerable victims and enrolling affected families into the ‘Danmodi Care Programme’ to offer financial and psychological support were also recommended.

Namadi expressed appreciation to the committee members for their thorough investigation and pledged to implement the recommendations to ensure the safety and welfare of citizens.

“We will take decisive actions to prevent such tragic incidents in the future. This government is committed to the safety and well-being of all residents,” Namadi stated.

Also, the chairman commended the state government for its prompt and timely response to the disaster, which included immediate humanitarian support to the affected community.