NSIB Initiates Investigation Into Jigawa Tanker Explosion
Following the tragic tanker explosion that claimed over 100 lives in Jigawa state, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced the start of an investigation into the incident.
The tanker explosion on Tuesday occurred in Majia town, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
According to Government sources, the death toll has risen to 157 by Thursday morning, with many victims still hospitalised.
NSIB in a statement by its Director, Public Affairs, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, said the bureau is “aware of the tragic petrol tanker explosion.”
According to reports, the incident happened around 11 pm on Tuesday when a petrol tanker, en route from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State, lost control and crashed, spilling its contents.
As residents gathered to scoop the fuel, the tanker exploded, resulting in a massive inferno.
Oladeji stated that in line with the bureau’s mandate to investigate accidents across all transportation sectors, the NSIB had deployed a team of experts to investigate the accident.
She said the he 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 learned,” said Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of the NSIB.
“Further updates on the investigation would be communicated as the NSIB team gathers and analyses evidence from the scene”, the agency said.
Nonetheless, NSIB highlighted the grave danger posed by scooping fuel from tanker accidents.