The death toll from the Tanker Explosion in Majia town of Taura local government area of Jigawa state late Tuesday has rised to 153, with 100 hospitalized at Aminu Teaching Hospital (AKTH) in Kano state and higher neighbouring health facilities for further treatment.
The Jigawa state police public relations officer DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam confirmed the development to GLOBAL TRACKER late Wednesday.
According to him, 100 of the victims were transferred to Hadejia and Gumel hospitals in the state, and AKTH in Kano as well as Nguru hospital in Yobe state.
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“The tanker was said to be traveling from Kano to Nguru, Yobe State, when the driver lost control near Khadija University in Majia Town, Taura LGA, causing it to overturn and spill fuel,” Shiisu said.
“The petrol entered through the drainage to the outskirts of the village.
“Unfortunately, villagers attempted to scoop petrol from the drainage, resulting in a flame that engulfed the area and many people were reportedly perished.
“Area Commander Ringim, Divisional Police Officer Gujungu and their men swiftly raced to the scene. One hundred and five (105) corpses have been evacuated, while 50 injured persons were rushed to Ringim and Hadejia General Hospitals for medical attention.
The fire was successfully extinguished through the combined efforts of police officers, firefighters, and good Samaritans.
Meanwhile, the state jigawa state commissioner of police A.T. Abdullahi has expressed his condolences to the people of Majia town and the state as a whole, and he prays that the departed souls rest in perfect peace.
The CP therefore, cautions the well-meaning citizens of the state to stay away from the area where gas tankers have fallen due to the potential hazards related to petroleum products.