Swift Response Averts Major Explosion on Kaduna–Zaria Highway as Tanker Overturns in Jaji
A serious road incident was narrowly prevented from turning into a disaster on Friday when a petrol-laden tanker crashed and spilled its contents along the Kaduna–Zaria highway near Jaji, Kaduna State.
The accident, which occurred in the early hours of October 31, 2025, caused heavy traffic and panic among motorists before emergency responders contained the situation.
According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), preliminary investigations suggested that the crash resulted from the tanker driver’s impatience and possible loss of control while attempting to overtake another vehicle.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Saturday, the Head of NEMA’s Kaduna Operations Office, Mallam Suleiman Muhammad, said the agency’s emergency response team was immediately activated after receiving a distress call.
“Our personnel arrived swiftly at the scene, where officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) had already begun rescue operations,” he stated.
NEMA noted that the quick intervention of multiple agencies, including the FRSC and the Kaduna State Fire Service, prevented what could have been a catastrophic explosion.
The FRSC Sector Commander in Kaduna, Tijjani Iliyasu, coordinated efforts to safely transfer the remaining petrol from the damaged tanker into another vehicle brought to the site for evacuation.
Eyewitnesses reported that the crash led to extensive fuel spillage across a section of the busy highway, forcing security officials to divert traffic and warn commuters to avoid open flames in the area.
“The smell of petrol was everywhere. People were scared that it might explode, but the emergency workers did a great job,” said a commercial driver who witnessed the scene.
By mid-morning, the highway had been partially reopened after the spill was cleared and safety was restored. No lives were lost, and no major injuries were reported.
This incident adds to the growing concern over frequent tanker crashes across Nigerian highways, often attributed to reckless driving, poor vehicle maintenance, and fatigue.
Authorities have repeatedly urged tanker operators to enforce strict adherence to safety regulations to protect lives and property.
Officials have since launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash and assess the level of damage.
Meanwhile, NEMA and the FRSC have advised motorists to exercise patience and caution, especially when driving near heavy-duty vehicles transporting hazardous materials.
At Jaji, Friday’s quick and coordinated emergency response ensured that what could have been another tragic explosion on Nigeria’s highways ended without casualties.
