Seven dead & others injured in another Niger fuel tanker explosion

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed the deaths of seven people and the injury of one individual following a tanker explosion in Karamin Rami village, Mashegu Local Government Area.

According to NSEMA’s Director General, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the incident occurred on March 4 at around 6:30 pm when a tanker, struggling to navigate a poorly maintained road, overturned and spilled its content, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), into a nearby stream.

The leaked fuel reportedly ignited after coming into contact with a water pump used by dry-season farmers, triggering a fire that spread back to the tanker and caused a massive explosion.

The fire extended to nearby farmlands, burning farmers and destroying rice fields, fruit crops, and vegetation.

The deceased victims have been identified as Rafiatu Sahabi, Ramlat Shehu, Rashida Abdullahi Raliya, Abdulrahman, Zainab Ahmed, Zuwaira Idrisu, and Maryam Nura. Meanwhile, the sole survivor, Maimuna Isah, is currently receiving medical treatment at Saho Rami Primary Health Care Centre.

Authorities have urged caution when handling flammable substances, especially in farming communities, to prevent such tragedies in the future.