The death toll from the tragic petrol tanker explosion in Essa community, Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State, has risen to 42, with over 60 others injured.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, when the tanker overturned and exploded as residents were reportedly scooping fuel from the fallen vehicle.
Grieving residents blamed the poor condition of the Bida–Badeggi–Agaie Road for the accident, urging both federal and state governments to urgently rehabilitate the highway to prevent further loss of lives.
According to a report from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the tanker lost control between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon due to the deteriorated state of the road, overturned, and exploded shortly after.
The explosion claimed the lives of 42 people, including nine males, 24 females, and nine children.
Over 60 others, comprising 20 males, seven females, and seven children, suffered varying degrees of burns.
Many of the victims were among those attempting to collect fuel from the tanker before it burst into flames.