The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Niger State Command, said refusal of the driver of the truck conveying passengers and cows to heed the warning of one of his passengers was responsible for the high casualty in the tanker explosion along Lapai-Agaie road in Niger State last Sunday.
President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, commiserated with families of victims and the Niger State government over the explosion, which claimed 48 lives and many livestock.
Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) said no fewer than 48 people, including 50 cows, died in the explosion, just as a crane, pick-up van, and another vehicle completely were burnt in the Sunday inferno.
NSEMA said the remains of the deceased were given mass burial in Agaie town also on Sunday.
FRSC, in a statement, disclosed that one of the passengers in the truck alerted the driver of the vehicle that there was fire from the fuel tanker, but the driver responded that it was “mere tyre that was burning”.
Sector Commander of the corps, Mr. Kumar Tsukwam, said in the statement, “It was gathered that the trailer that conveyed humans and cows was alerted by one of his passengers of the fire at their front but in response he (driver) said it is just mere tyre that was burning.
“On reaching the engulfed tanker, immediately (the truck) was also engulfed and consequently the two other vehicles were engulfed, leading to the death of 35 persons instantly and two others injured died at the hospital (totalling) 37.”
Tsukwam also blamed the accident on “over speeding” adding, “The tanker from Lagos on transit to Kano loaded with fuel was on top speed, lost control, fell down, and (was) engulfed with fire.”
He said 18 people were injured and were rushed to the hospital but one of them died in the hospital.
NSEMA Public Relations Officer, Hussain Ibrahim, said the evacuation of the burnt vehicles from the scene of the accident had been handed over to the Agaie Local Government Area, adding, “We (NSEMA) will give them some assistance.”
Tinubu, in a release by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, commiserated with the families of the dead and injured victims.
He also sympathised with the owners of shops affected by the tragedy and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The president commended the federal and state emergency agencies for their swift response and similarly commended the good-spirited Nigerians, who mobilised to the scene to assist victims.
He pledged continued support for efforts aimed at providing relief to those affected.
Tinubu directed relevant federal agencies in transportation and road infrastructure to redouble their efforts and work with state governments to enhance the safety and security of travellers and residents.
Mrs Tinubu, on her part, commiserated with Governor Mohammed Bago and the people of the state on the loss of lives and property.
In a release she personally signed, the first lady stated, “My thoughts and prayers are with you all, especially the people of Agaie Local Government Area, Niger State.
“I pray that Almighty Allah grants the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives the strength and fortitude to bear the painful loss. May Allah grant them all Aljannah Firdaus.”
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammad Idris, expressed sorrow over the incident.
Idris stated, “My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected during this painful time. I, therefore, join the people of Niger State and the whole of Nigeria in mourning this profound loss.
“May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may God grant their families the strength and fortitude to bear this immeasurable loss.”
Deji Elumoye, Olawale Ajimotokan and Laleye Dipo
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