Causality Figures in Niger Fire Explosion Now 50 -FRSC

Casualty figures in the Niger State tanker fire explosion is now 50, the federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has announced

This is contrary to earlier reports that about 50 persons actually lost their lives in the inferno that has been.

Current reports are that people had gathered to scoop fuel after the tanker flipped before the tanker caught fire consuming literally anything in sight.

Though there were unconfirmed reports that over 70 lives had been claimed by the fire, the head of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Niger State Kumar Tsukwam, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Minna, that the number of casualty was now 50.

Those who were around the scene at the time of the accident stated that the tanker laden with petrol overturned, with the owners making arrangement to trans-load the commodity.

it was in the process that some people eager to obtain the commodity stormed the scene and started scooping fuel;,

“As the scooping continued, there was a loud explosion from the tanker, which immediately resulted in wild fire that engulfed the scoopers and the two vehicles.

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“Those mostly trapped were the youths, who turned deaf ears to the calls from people around, of the dangers inherent in their action.

“And in the twinkle of an eye, many of them including women were trapped and roasted beyond recognition,” the eye witness told a Vanguard reporter.

The Eagle reports that many reactions have been trailing the explosion, with the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, joining in to sympathise with the Niger state people.

Describing the accident as a  tragedy as unfortunate, he prayed for Godly consolation on those bereaved.

Lokpobiri’s reaction came in a statement issued on Saturday, by the Special Assistant on Media and Communication to the Minister, Nneamaka Okafor.

“I am deeply saddened by this tragic event, and my thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. May the souls of the departed find eternal rest, and may God grant their families the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he said.