No fewer than 60 people have been reportedly dead and several others injured as petrol tanker exploded in Niger State.
The tragedy happened off the Abuja/Kaduna Highway at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
It was gathered that the fatality rate was high because people gathered to scoop the spilled product from the tanker when the explosion occurred.
Witnesses said nearly 60 people must have lost their lives in the incident.
A man who was in a vehicle travelling to Minna said a pregnant woman and another carrying a week-old baby were among the victims.
“I saw the bodies of the victims, but I cannot confirm the exact number of fatalities. Among the deceased were a pregnant woman and some children,” the man who did not provide his name said.
The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kumar Tsukwam, confirmed the incident and the fatalities.
The FRSC Sector Commander stated that rescue operation was ongoing and all safety measures for road users have been put in place as the gridlock along Abuja-Kaduna highway has been controlled.
