A devastating incident occurred in Karamin Rami village, Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State, on 4 March 2025 at approximately 6:30 p.m., when a fuel-laden tanker lost balance and overturned while struggling to navigate a poor road without a shoulder. The accident resulted in a catastrophic explosion, claiming seven lives and leaving one person severely injured.
The tanker, carrying highly flammable Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), spilled its contents into a nearby stream used by dry-season farmers for irrigation. Unfortunately, the fuel ignited upon contact with an operating water pump, triggering a fierce fire that rapidly spread back to the overturned tanker, causing a massive explosion. The flames travelled through the contaminated stream, engulfing nearby rice fields and fruit plantations.
Several farmers working in their fields at the time were caught in the inferno. By the time the fire was extinguished, seven individuals had lost their lives, while one survivor sustained severe injuries.
The deceased victims have been identified as Rafiatu Sahabi, Ramlat Shehu, Rashida Abdullahi, Raliya Abdulrahman, Zainab Ahmed, Zuwaira Idrisu, and Maryam A. Nura. Meanwhile, Maimuna Isah, the sole survivor, is currently receiving treatment at Saho Rami Primary Health Care Centre.
The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed the incident in an official statement, attributing the tragedy to poor road conditions. He stated that the lack of proper infrastructure forced the tanker driver to manoeuvre dangerously, leading to the spill and subsequent explosion.
Emergency responders and local authorities have since been deployed to assess the damage and provide support to the affected families.
This unfortunate event underscores the urgent need for road rehabilitation in rural communities and stricter safety measures for fuel transportation. Authorities are expected to launch further investigations into the disaster and explore ways to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
