Fuel Tanker Explodes after Tyre Bursts on Niger Road, One Week After Blast Claims 98 Lives

A tanker carrying 40,000 litres of fuel has suffered a tyre burst, lost control, and caused an explosion on the Agaie-Lapai road in Niger State.

The incident reportedly occurred, when the fuel tanker was in transit from Lagos to Kaduna.

On reaching the Kusogbogi area of Agaie in Niger State, the tanker lost control due to a burst front tyre and fell into a roadside drainage, resulting in a fire explosion.

The driver and his motor boy sustained injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital.

Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer Niger state command, Wasiu Abiodun, said, “There was a lone fuel tanker accident with fire explosion along Agaie/Lapai road.

“The fuel tanker with Reg. No. DKA 03 A, driven by one Shamsudeen Dayabu of Matazun LGA of Katsina State on transit from Lagos to Kaduna and loaded with about 40,000 litres of PMS.”

“No life was lost during the incident as the road was temporarily closed, but normalcy was later restored for road users,” an official statement read.

Meanwhile, a devastating fuel tanker explosion that occurred over a week ago left at least 98 person dead, with many others severely injured.

The tragedy occurred when residents gathered to collect spilled fuel, which suddenly ignited, causing a massive blast.

In response to the disaster, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed that 20 victims be transferred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital for advanced medical care.