Again, fuel-laden tanker explodes in Jigawa

Tragedy struck again in Jigawa State, on Wednesday, as a fuel-laden tanker went up in flames at the Jigawa-Kano border, sparking panic among bystanders.

The incident comes just a month after a similar explosion in October claimed over 180 lives, and injured many others in Majia town, Taura Local Government Area the state.

PUNCH Metro reports that the October incident occurred when a truck carrying petrol, travelling from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State, exploded in Majia, located in Taura Local Government Area, Jigawa State as many villagers had gathered to scoop up spilt petrol when the explosion occurred, resulting in devastating losses.

Reacting to the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Fire Service, Jigawa State Command, M. A. Aliyu, said the Federal Fire Service received a distress call from the Kuho Village Head, Zubairu Ahmad, regarding a tanker accident at Tsaida, Kwanar Kalle, near Gamoji village along Maiduri Road about 12 kilometres to Jigawa State from Kano.

Speaking to Journalists, the Kuho Village Head, Alhaji Zubairu Ahmad, said, “When the incident happened, we instructed our subject not to get near the tanker for fear of the explosion.”

“Thanks to Almighty Allah that the incident did not occur within the town, it was at a farm outside the people’s house,” he confirmed.

The village head also clarified that there were no deaths or casualties.

Efforts by our correspondent to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, Kano State Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on the incident proved abortive as his known number could not connect when tried.

According to Aliyu, the fire service responded promptly, arriving at the scene at 10:50 hours and successfully containing the fire.

“The cause of the recent tanker explosion is still unknown, but investigations are likely to focus on safety regulations and emergency response measures,” he stated.

He also pointed out that the recent incident highlighted the need for joint continued vigilance and action, and also the need for improved efforts towards safety protocols and emergency response to prevent such tragedies.

He added that the single injured person, who happened to be the driver’s assistant, was rushed to the Dutse General Hospital.

Commenting on the incident, a commercial motor driver, Malam Sani, an eyewitness, said, “The recent incident has raised concerns about the safety of fuel transport in the state considering the October explosion that killed at least 181 people and injured many others in Majia town.”