DAILY TRUST
Grieving members of families of those who lost their lives in Tuesday’s inferno in Majia town of Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State on Wednesday narrated how the petrol-laden tanker’s accident ultimately resulted in an explosion which consumed over 120 human souls.
Death toll from the fuel tanker incident rose to over 125 people as at yesterday, while 70 others have been hospitalised.
Health workers, rescue personnel and survivors said the casualty figure could rise, considering that some of the victims sustained third-degree burns with their vital organs affected.
They said almost every family in Majia town and adjoining communities had been affected by the calamity in one way or the other, even as doctors, nurses and other supporting staff continue to work to save lives.
Daily Trust learnt that 115 people were buried in a particular grave while 10 others were buried elsewhere.
Some local and foreign media outlets reported that the number of those who died could be as high as 150.
How the carnage happened
Daily Trust learnt that following the tanker crash, locals trooped to the scene to scoop the fuel. And shortly afterwards, the overturned truck exploded.
The incident is coming at a time when the price of petrol has gone as high as N1,400 in some parts of the country.
It was learnt that the fuel tanker veered off the road to avoid another vehicle, but lost control and crashed.
The tanker, with the number plate KMC 641 F, driven by one Yusuf Mohammad, had taken off from Kano and was heading for Nguru in Yobe State.
DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, the Police Public Relations Officer in Jigawa State, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Dutse, yesterday, adding that the injured had been taken to different hospitals for medical attention.
“The residents were scooping fuel from the overturned tanker when the explosion occurred, sparking a massive inferno that killed 94 people on the spot.
“The incident left another 50 people severely injured, who were then rushed to Ringim and Hadejia General Hospitals for treatment,” he said.
Jigawa State’s Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Abdullahi, extended condolences to the people of Majia town and the state at large, urging citizens to exercise caution and avoid scenes of petrol tanker accidents.
The state governor, Malam Umar Namadi, expressed sadness over the incident and sympathised with the families of the victims.
He said the entire state mourns alongside the families and that the government stands ready to provide all necessary assistance during this difficult period. He assured the public that steps would be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.
He prayed Almighty Allah to grant eternal rest to the departed souls.
4 siblings, policeman among dead.
Malam Hamza Ibrahim said he lost four of his children to the explosion. Among them was Hassan Hamza 28, who just graduated from College of Health Technology, Jahun.
Malam Hamza said Hassan was an upright young man who went to the scene of the explosion where people were scooping petrol, to send them home, but was consumed by the fire.
“Hassan was indeed a very nice boy. I have never seen him fighting with anyone. He just obtained a national diploma in Pharmacy and currently working with Khadija Clinic here in Majia. We only pray that God forgives his shortcomings,” the father said.
Yusuf Hamza, Saidu Hamza and Mustapha Hamza were the three other sons of Malam Hamza, who also died in the fire.
A younger brother to Malam Hamza, Ilyasu Ibrahim, also lost his son, Yahya Ilyasu, to the incident and another son, Abbas Ilyasu was rushed to the Hadejia General Hospital and later transferred to the General Medical Center, Nguru.
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