BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated a thorough investigation into the tragic petrol tanker explosion that claimed over 150 lives in Majia town, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, on Tuesday, October 16, 2024.
This was disclosed by Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji,
Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau
The terrifying disaster, which also left many severely injured, has plunged the nation into mourning.
According to NSIB, reports indicate that the accident occurred around 11 pm when a petrol tanker traveling from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State lost control and crashed, spilling its highly flammable contents.
Tragically, as local residents rushed to the scene to scoop the fuel, the tanker ignited, causing a devastating explosion that engulfed the area in flames.
In accordance with its mandate to investigate accidents across all transportation sectors, the NSIB has promptly deployed a specialized team of experts to the site of the disaster. The team, equipped with the necessary expertise and resources, will carefully examine the circumstances leading to the crash and subsequent explosion.
Their goal is to determine the root causes and contributing factors in order to formulate safety recommendations that could prevent similar disasters in the future.
Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of the NSIB, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and communities affected by this heartbreaking incident. The NSIB is committed to uncovering the cause of the explosion and ensuring that lessons are learned to enhance safety measures across the country,” Badeh stated.
He further assured the public that the investigation would be conducted with the utmost diligence, and that updates would be provided as more information becomes available.
The team’s work will include gathering and analyzing evidence from the scene, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing any relevant data that may shed light on the tragedy.
In light of this incident, the NSIB has also issued a strong reminder to the public about the dangers associated with scooping fuel from tanker accidents.
Such actions, while often driven by desperation, pose a significant risk to life and property.
The Bureau urged citizens to avoid these hazardous situations, emphasizing that the consequences, as demonstrated by the recent explosion, can be catastrophic.
As the nation awaits the findings of the investigation, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols and the devastating consequences of fuel-related accidents.
The NSIB’s investigation will not only seek to bring clarity to the causes of the explosion but will also focus on making impactful recommendations to improve safety regulations and practices across Nigeria’s transport and logistics sectors.
The Bureau’s work in investigating transportation accidents, including road, air, rail, and marine incidents, is vital in shaping policies that enhance public safety and prevent future occurrences of such calamities.
The Jigawa tanker explosion will now join a list of critical incidents the NSIB is handling, and the findings from this investigation are expected to play a crucial role in informing future preventive measures.
