Tragedy Strikes As Niger State Tanker Explosion Kills 42, Residents Blame Bad Road
A devastating petrol tanker explosion on Monday, October 21, in the Essa community of Katcha Local Government Area, Niger State, has claimed the lives of at least 42 people, leaving dozens of others with varying degrees of burns.
The tragic incident occurred along the Bida–Agaie highway after a tanker loaded with petrol reportedly lost control while navigating a bad portion of the road and overturned, spilling its contents.
Moments later, the fuel ignited, resulting in a massive explosion that engulfed nearby residents, vehicles, and traders.
Emergency responders and local volunteers rushed to the scene to rescue survivors, while severely injured victims were taken to Essa Primary Health Care Centre, Idris Private Hospital, and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Bida.
Among the deceased were nine male adults, twenty-four female adults, and nine children. Several of the victims were reportedly among those attempting to scoop fuel from the overturned tanker before it exploded.
Residents have attributed the tragedy to the deplorable state of the Bida–Agaie Road, which they described as a “death trap” that has claimed many lives over the years.
They called on both the state and federal governments to urgently rehabilitate the road to prevent future disasters.
Community leaders also appealed for improved regulation and monitoring of heavy-duty vehicles, especially tankers carrying petroleum products through rural and densely populated areas.
Meanwhile, the Niger State Government has expressed condolences to the affected families and promised to strengthen emergency response systems and enforce safety measures to reduce such occurrences.
The latest incident adds to the growing list of tanker-related explosions in Niger State, heightening public concern over road safety, infrastructure decay, and the urgent need for swift government intervention.
