Jigawa Explosion: NSIB Investigates As Death Toll Rises To 147

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the petrol tanker explosion that occurred late Tuesday in Majiya town, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

Death toll in the accident has risen to 147 while many were severely injured.

The petrol-laden tanker reportedly overturned and exploded along the Kano-Hadejia Expressway in the LGA.

In a statement released on Thursday by NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, the agency extended condolences to the victims’ families.

The death toll, according to Jigawa state police was initially reported as 105. Hambali gave the updated figures during a live interview on Arewa Radio.

Residents were reported to have rushed to the scene to scoop fuel from the overturned tanker when it exploded.

The NSIB deployed a team of experts to investigate the causes of both the crash and the subsequent explosion.

Captain Alex Badeh, Director General of the NSIB, said: “In line with our mandate to investigate accidents across all transportation sectors, the NSIB has deployed a go-team of experts to investigate the accident.

“The team will assess the circumstances surrounding the crash and the explosion to identify causal factors and provide safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this devastating accident. The NSIB is committed to uncovering the cause of the explosion and ensuring that safety lessons are learnt.”

The bureau further promised to provide updates as the investigation continues and more evidence is gathered from the scene.

THE WHISTLER reported that President Bola Tinubu vowed to hold those responsible accountable following a petrol tanker explosion in Majia town, Jigawa.

Tinubu, in a statement by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to lead a delegation to the affected area on assessment and condolence visit.

The delegation include the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Alkali, Corps Marshal of the Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North West), Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai.