The dead toll from Saturday’s fuel tanker explosion in Niger State has increased to 98, with 69 wounded and 20 stores entirely destroyed, according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA).
The fatal tragedy occurred on Saturday morning, when a speeding petrol truck collided, spilling its contents on the road.
Locals hurried to collect the fuel, but the tanker caught fire, resulting in a devastating explosion that took many lives.
In a statement released on Monday, the Director General of NSEMA, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed the updated figures.
“More deaths have been recorded from the fire incident. The latest figure is now 98 deaths, 69 injured, and 20 shops burnt down,” he said.
Condolences have been pouring in from across the country, including from former President Muhammadu Buhari, who expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of lives and property.
