Tragedy was narrowly avoided on Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Zangon Kanya village, Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State, after a petrol-laden tanker lost control and overturned, spilling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) onto the road.
A resident who spoke to DAILY POST explained that the incident occurred in the evening when the driver of the tanker attempted to swerve away from an oncoming trailer to avoid a head-on collision. In the process, the vehicle veered off the road and crashed, causing the highly flammable fuel to spill.
Panic quickly spread through the village as some residents attempted to scoop the petrol, while others fled the scene. However, swift action by security operatives helped prevent a potential disaster.
Police spokesman, SP Lawan Shiisu Adam, confirmed the incident, stating: “The incident happened on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at about 1300hrs. A distress call was received regarding a lone fatal motor vehicle accident involving a Howa trailer with registration number Kano 549 BNK, driven by one Muhammad Ali of Yankatsari village, Dawakin Kudu LGA, Kano State.”
According to SP Shiisu, the tanker, loaded with 60,000 litres of PMS, was en route from Lagos to Gujungu town in Taura LGA when the accident occurred. He noted that the driver lost control while navigating a local traffic diversion to avoid colliding with another trailer.
Upon receiving the report, the police, in collaboration with the Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, and other relevant agencies, promptly responded and cordoned off the area to prevent further danger. The scene was secured to stop residents and passersby from scooping fuel, a common but dangerous practice in such incidents.
SP Shiisu added that traffic was being managed efficiently, with road users diverted away from the site to ensure public safety. Fortunately, no fire outbreak or explosion occurred, and only the driver sustained injuries. He was immediately taken to Ringim General Hospital for treatment.
The incident brings back memories of a similar tragedy in Majia town, also in Taura Local Government Area, where over 100 lives were lost in a tanker explosion.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid tampering with fuel from accident scenes, emphasizing that safety measures must always take precedence.
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