The death toll from Saturday’s devastating petrol tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Niger State, Nigeria, has risen to 86, with 55 others injured and receiving medical attention, officials confirmed on Sunday.
Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), shared the grim update, revealing that most victims were laid to rest in a mass burial.
“Out of the 86 confirmed fatalities, 80 were buried in a mass grave at the Dikko Primary Healthcare Centre premises, five were claimed by their families, and one died during treatment,” Baba-Arah explained.
The tragedy unfolded as residents attempted to collect leaking fuel from an overturned tanker, which ignited, killing bystanders and even rescuers.
Mass Burial Amid Grief
The mass burial, led by NSEMA, local authorities, and volunteers, commenced at 5 p.m. on Saturday and extended into the night.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, visiting the scene, introduced new safety directives to prevent similar disasters.
“The state government has prohibited vehicles from the Maje axis from crossing the Dikko Bridge,” announced Bologi Ibrahim, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary. “Vehicles must now use the underpass and designated U-turns.”
Additionally, doctors from Minna hospitals were reassigned to Suleja General Hospital to support treatment efforts for the injured.
Rising Toll and Search for Victims
Initially, reports indicated 70 fatalities and 50 injuries. However, as rescue operations continued, the toll rose to 86. Families are still searching for missing loved ones, as identification efforts remain underway.
This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of unsafe practices around fuel and the need for heightened safety measures.
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