The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the death of 73 persons following the tragic tanker explosion that occurred at the Dikko Junction, Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, Niger State, on Saturday.
It was earlier reported that a truck loaded with Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol lost control and eventually caught fire, claiming at least 50 lives.
However, a statement issued on Sunday morning by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi said about 73 dead bodies were recovered from the scene.
Our correspondent gathered that the death toll may rise as several persons, who were critically injured, are currently battling for life.
The statement said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun also extended “heartfelt condolences to the government and the good people” of the state.
The IGP, while emphasizing the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols on roads across the nation, warns firmly against the “negligence and disregard for regulations that can lead to such catastrophic incidents”.
The police boss directed all State Commissioners of Police to “strengthen their Motor Traffic Divisions (MTDs) of their respective State Commands, in collaboration with other traffic management agencies, to ensure strict compliance and enforcement of established protocols and traffic regulations on highways”.
The IGP further charged vehicle owners and drivers to “ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and abide by the traffic rules in order to prevent any tragedies”.
