30 killed scooping fuel from fallen tanker in Niger State

No fewer than 30 people have been burnt beyond recognition while scooping petrol from an accident tanker in Niger State.

Besides those who lost their lives, 40 people were also said to have suffered various degrees of burns during the incident.

The accident was said to have occurred about 11a.m., yesterday, at Essan and Badeggi communities between Bida to Agaie road in Katcha Local Government Area of the state.

An eye witness confirmed to Vanguard, that “The affected victims were trapped while scooping the petroleum product from the tanker. While they were scooping the product, the tanker exploded thereby burning many of the victims beyond recognition while the injured were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Bida for treatment.”

Chairman of the state Tanker Drivers and Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, National Ex-Officio, Farouk Kawo confirmed the incident to journalists in Minna.

He said: “Reports sent to us indicated that the tanker was coming from Lagos and heading to the Northern part before the sad incident occured.

“Within this month, (October) alone, over 30 tanker trailers have been involved in accidents in that particular area because of the very bad nature of the road.

“We have always educated the people, especially the youths on the danger inherent in scooping fuel during any accident but they would not listen.