A tragic tanker explosion in the Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State has claimed the lives of more than 30 people and resulted in the burning of 50 cattle.
The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday along the Lapai-Agaie road, roughly 2 kilometres from the Dendo community.
The explosion took place when a petrol tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) collided with a trailer truck transporting travellers and cattle from Wudil, Kano state, en route to Lagos.
The collision caused the tanker to explode, engulfing two other vehicles, including a crane truck and a pickup van, in flames.
Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed the devastating incident.
“Our Rapid Response Team arrived at the scene shortly after the explosion and has so far recovered 30 bodies from the wreckage,” he stated.
Arah added that search and rescue operations were ongoing, as more bodies were believed to be trapped inside the trucks.
The incident has left the area in shock as emergency services continue their efforts to manage the aftermath of the explosion.