The death toll from Saturday’s petrol tanker explosion in Niger State has risen to 98, with 69 injured and 20 shops destroyed, according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA). The previous figure on Sunday stood at 86 dead and 55 injured.
Abdullahi Baba-Arah, NSEMA’s Director General, revealed on Monday that more victims succumbed to injuries sustained during the fire incident.
Hospitals Report Rising Casualties
Out of 43 injured patients admitted to the General Hospital Suleja, seven have died due to severe burns. Similarly, at the General Hospital Sabon-Wuse, three of the 23 injured have also passed away.
Specialist Care:
- 10 patients from the General Hospital Suleja were referred to Abuja for advanced treatment.
- 3 patients have been discharged after satisfactory treatment.
Government Intervention
The Niger State government and the Federal Government have pledged to cover all medical expenses for the injured. Those referred to Abuja will also receive free intensive care.
The Incident
The tragedy unfolded on Saturday morning when a speeding petrol tanker overturned, spilling its fuel. Residents rushed to collect the fuel before the tanker ignited, causing a devastating fire.
Community Response
The victims have been buried in a mass grave, while condolences continue to pour in from across the nation. The Federal Government has launched a committee to investigate the cause of the explosion, aiming to prevent future occurrences.
Stay updated as more details emerge on this tragic incident.
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