2 weeks ago
21
.Governor Bago mourns, calls for calm
BY SAKA BOLAJI
Tragedy struck at Bida-Agaie-Lapai highway when a petrol ladened tanker exploded in the early hours of Sunday, about two kilometres from Dendo Community in Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State.
The accident occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. when the petrol tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) collided with a trailer truck carrying human beings and animals.
The trailer which was said to be heading to Lagos from Wudil in Kano State loaded with passengers and livestock had a collision with severe impact that resulted in intense fire.
Two additional vehicles, a crane truck and a pickup van, were also caught in the explosion, further escalating the destruction.
The fire spread rapidly, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
Tragically, over 30 people were initially confirmed dead at the scene, while more than 50 cattle perished in the fire.
Rescue efforts by the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), in collaboration with Local Government Emergency Committees (LGEMCs), were immediately launched.
A Rapid Response Team (RRT) was dispatched to the site to carry out search and recovery operations.
As the rescue operations continued, more bodies were discovered, bringing the total death toll to 48.
However, due to the condition of the bodies, a mass burial was held for the victims as many of the deceased were burnt beyond recognition, making individual identification difficult.
The mass burial was coordinated by NSEMA officials, along with the local authorities,
The Director General of NSEMA, Abdullahi Baba-arah, confirmed the details of the incident and expressed deep sorrow for the lives lost.
He noted that several victims were still trapped in the wreckage of the trucks, and search efforts were ongoing at press time to ensure that no bodies were left behind.
The tragic event has left the local community in shock and mourning, highlighting the dangers of road transportation, especially involving flammable substances like petroleum products.
Authorities have called for stricter safety measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Meanwhile, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has expressed sadness over the petrol tanker explosion that occurred in Agaie Local Government Area of the state resulting in loss of lives and property.
The Governor, in a statement, said he is pained by the unfortunate incident and the colossal loss incurred.
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While commiserating with all those who suffered losses in the incident, he said the State Government through the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and other relevant organisations have been mobilised to the scene of the accident for rescue operation and other necessary actions.
He called for calm by the residents of the affected area, and also enjoined road users to always be cautious and abide by road traffic regulations to safeguard lives and property.
The Governor prayed that Allah would repose the souls of the departed and grant quick recovery to those injured.
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