By Awoniyi Silas, Sulaja

A devastating explosion occurred on Tuesday morning, claiming the lives of approximately 30 individuals and leaving 40 others injured on the Agaie-Baddegi Road in Niger State. Eyewitnesses reported that the accident happened around 11am within the Essa-Agaie axis in Baddegi, involving a petrol-laden tanker.

Tragically, the victims were attempting to scoop petroleum products from the accident scene when the explosion occurred. Comrade Farouk Mohammed Kawo, Niger State Chairman of Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) and Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) National Ex-Officio, confirmed the incident.

The incident highlights the dangers of attempting to scoop fuel from accident scenes, a practice that has led to numerous fatalities in the past. Authorities are urged to investigate the cause of the explosion and take measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Further details are awaited, and emergency services are likely to be attending to the injured. The community is in mourning, and support is being mobilized for the affected families.