The town of Majiya, in the Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, was thrown into mourning on Wednesday following the explosion of a petrol-laden tanker, leading to the death of at least 153 people.
It was stated that 94 people died on the scene, while many others were injured and brought to Ringim General Hospital, where medics were trying to save their lives.
Due to the high number of casualties, more wounded were transported to the Federal Medical Centre in Birnin Kudu when Ringim Hospital ran out of beds.
President Bola Tinubu, his wife Oluremi, Vice President Kashim Shettima, governors, and many other Nigerians extended their condolences following the incident.
Following the explosion, the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency announced that 147 people were mass buried, with over 55 people admitted to various hospitals.
The majority of the victims were charred beyond recognition. At the time of going to bed, Lawan Shiisu Adam, Public Relations Officer of the Jigawa State Police Command, verified 153 deaths and over 100 people in hospitals.
On Wednesday, the victims were mass buried in Majiya town.
The incident occurred about 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday in Majia when the tanker driver lost control near Khadija University.
The tanker was claimed to have departed Kano and was on its way to Nguru, Yobe State, when the driver lost control and it collapsed with its contents.
It was reported that following the incident, some people went there to scoop the merchandise, which eventually resulted in the explosion.
Dr. Haruna Mairiga, Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency, confirmed the number of casualties as 147 and stated that his men rescued approximately 50 other people and transported them to several hospitals throughout the state.
He said, “When we got there, initially we were told about 95 persons died, but during the mass burial, we were able to count 147 bodies whom we all gave mass burial.
“We also rescued about 50 injured persons to different hospitals in the state.“
The police spokesman, in his confirmation, said, “The devastating incident occurred on October 15, 2024, at about 2230hrs, involving a petrol tanker with registration number KMC 6412F, driven by one Yusuf Mohd’m’ age 32yrs of Hotoro Quarters, Kano State.
“The tanker was travelling from Kano to Nguru, Yobe State, when the driver lost control near Khadija University in Majia town, Taura LGA, causing it to overturn and spill fuel.
“The petrol entered through the drainage to the outskirts of the village. Unfortunately, villagers attempted to scoop petrol from the drainage, resulting in a flame that engulfed the area, and many people reportedly perished.”
He also stated that the police struggled to keep control of the scene, with many bystanders ignoring warnings and moving dangerously close to the accident site.
“The tanker, loaded with petrol, ignited shortly after the crash, causing an inferno that engulfed numerous people in the vicinity.
“The injured were immediately rushed to the General Hospital at Ringim, where medical personnel are working around the clock to treat the victims.
“However, the death toll is likely to rise as several of the injured remain in critical condition.”
He stated that the state commissioner of police, A.T. Abdullahi, has since condoled and sympathised with the citizens of the state, particularly the people of Majiya town, where the tragedy occurred.
Governor Umar Namadi extended condolences to the people for the unfortunate loss of lives.
Namadi, who arrived quickly to the scene of the disaster, also participated in the funeral prayer for the deceased.
He called the situation the biggest catastrophe to strike Jigawa State.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this painful time.
“We stand in solidarity with those who have lost loved ones and those injured in this tragic incident,” the governor said.
