A fuel tanker explosion in Dan Magaji, Zaria, on Monday morning has left multiple people dead and several others injured, in what locals describe as one of the deadliest road tragedies the community has faced in years.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. near Rochas Foundation School, along the Kaduna–Kano expressway bypass between Kwangila and Dan Magaji. According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the crash involved two fuel-laden tankers and two passenger-loaded Volkswagen Golf cars.
Eyewitnesses said the collision triggered five successive explosions, sending huge fireballs into the air and shrouding the area in thick black smoke visible for miles.
“All the occupants of the cars died instantly, except one driver who survived but suffered severe burns,” said Musa Ibrahim, a local trader who witnessed the incident.
Emergency responders, including firefighters, police officers, and paramedics, arrived swiftly at the scene. The area was sealed off to contain the fire and prevent secondary accidents, while injured victims were rushed to nearby hospitals.
Rescue workers were seen pulling charred remains from the wreckage as distraught relatives gathered, some breaking down in tears. Many shops and businesses in Dan Magaji remained closed in mourning.
Although the exact death toll is yet to be confirmed, preliminary reports suggest dozens may have died in the inferno.
Fuel tanker explosions remain a recurring hazard in Nigeria, often caused by reckless driving, poor vehicle maintenance, and, in some cases, fuel scooping by bystanders. Between January 2009 and October 2024, official records show 169 tanker accidents nationwide, resulting in 613 deaths.
The years 2009 and 2014 recorded the fewest incidents, with three each, while 2019 was the deadliest year, claiming 203 lives in 29 separate crashes.
In recent months, several deadly cases have occurred: October 2024, Jigawa State: Over 150 people killed after a tanker exploded in a crowded market. Niger State: Five people killed in a tanker accident. Agbor, Delta State: Multiple fatalities in another tanker crash.
By Monday afternoon, the Kaduna State Government announced a full investigation into the Dan Magaji explosion, pledging to identify its root cause and implement stricter safety measures for tanker operations. Authorities also urged commercial drivers to strictly observe road safety regulations and warned communities to steer clear of accident scenes involving hazardous materials.
As Dan Magaji mourns its dead, the blackened stretch of road stands as a grim reminder of the urgent need for stronger enforcement of road safety laws, better maintenance of heavy-duty vehicles, and public awareness to prevent future tragedies.