No fewer than 90 people were confirmed dead, following a petrol tanker explosion in Majiya Town, Taura Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday.It was learnt that villagers were scooping fuel from the overturned tanker when the explosion ignited.
The resulting fireball devastated the area, causing severe injuries and fatalities among those present.
Spokesman of the NSCDC, Jigawa State Command, CSC Adamu Shehu confirmed the incident.
He said the incident happened yesterday night in Babura LGA yesterday at about 2100hrs when Iveco Van laden with filled gas cylinders exploded.
Confirming the incident, DSP Lawal Shiisu Adams, spokesperson for the Jigawa State Police Command, stated that the police are currently conducting investigations into the incident and will provide further updates as information becomes available.
According to Shiisu, “Today (Wednesday) a petrol tanker from Port Harcourt going to Nguru in Yobe state reached Majiya village of Taura local government area at around 12:30am the driver lost control at Majiya and falls down.
“The content in the tanker flooded gutters and drainages in village. The villagers started fetching the fuel where the petrol was and it went in flames.
“As a result 95 people confirmed died and 50 have been hospitalised receiving treatment,” he added.
He said the injured persons are currently receiving medical attention at General Hospital, Babura.
The NSCDC spokesperson said the circumstances leading to the explosion of the gas were unknown.
