***Death toll now 100
The devastating tanker explosion at Dikko Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, which has now claimed 100 lives, left survivors recounting harrowing tales of the ordeal. Witnesses described the moments leading to the tragedy, with many highlighting the chaos that ensued as people scrambled to safety.
According to residents near the junction, the tanker had appeared unstable before it overturned and erupted into flames. “We saw the fire spreading so fast; people were running in all directions. It was terrifying,” said Usman Adamu, a shop owner at the scene.
A survivor, Aminu Yakubu, who sustained minor burns, described how he barely escaped the inferno. “I was waiting to board a bus when the explosion happened. I ran as fast as I could, but the heat and smoke were everywhere.”
Local community members have also voiced frustration over recurring tanker accidents in the area, citing poor road conditions and the negligence of some drivers. “This is not the first time we’ve had such an incident here. We need stricter safety regulations and better roads to avoid more lives being lost,” said Grace Okeke, a community leader.
Emergency response teams continue to work tirelessly, with the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) assuring the public that victims are receiving necessary medical attention. However, critics argue that quicker response times and proactive safety measures could have mitigated the impact of the explosion.
As families mourn their loved ones and survivors recount their stories, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved safety protocols on Nigeria’s highways.