35 dead, 46 injured in Niger tanker explosion

No fewer than 35 persons have been confirmed dead, while 46 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a petrol tanker explosion on Bida–Agaie expressway in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State.

The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Niger State, Aishatu Sa’adu, confirmed this on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.

Sa’adu said the tragedy occurred when some residents attempted to scoop fuel from the fallen tanker, which later exploded.

Sa’adu said the injured victims were evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Bida, with the support of FRSC officers and villagers.

Many feared dead as petrol tanker explodes in Niger State

She stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the crash was a lone accident resulting from loss of control by the tanker driver.

The sector commander cautioned motorists to exercise utmost care and adhere strictly to traffic regulations to avoid unnecessary loss of lives.

She also warned members of the public against scooping fuel from accident scenes, describing it as a dangerous act that had claimed many lives in the past.

“People should avoid greed and be content with what God has given them,” Sa’adu stressed.

The Star