The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed deep concern over Monday’s tanker explosion along the Zaria-Kano highway, describing the incident as unfortunate and avoidable.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Speaker Abbas commiserated with those affected and urged motorists to strictly adhere to safety standards and road traffic regulations.
“Such accidents are avoidable if drivers observe safety rules and maintain their vehicles in good condition,” the Speaker said, wishing the injured victims a speedy recovery.
The accident, which occurred at about 8:30 a.m. in the Dan Magaji area of Zaria, involved a Liquefied Natural Gas (LPG) tanker heading to Kano.
According to reports, the tanker rammed into the rear of an empty fuel tanker after suffering a tyre blowout, triggering a massive explosion.Initial fears of multiple casualties were dispelled when the Chairman of Zaria Local Government, Engr. Jamil Ahmad Muhammad, confirmed that no lives were lost.
He disclosed that four injured persons were promptly evacuated to the hospital for treatment and debunked earlier reports suggesting that two commercial Golf vehicles were involved.
His clarification was corroborated by the Kaduna State Police Command, the Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Zaria, Nasir Falgore, and the Area Commander of the Federal Fire Service in Zaria, Aminu Kiyawa, all of whom confirmed there were no fatalities.
Emergency responders, including FRSC officials and firefighters, worked swiftly to control traffic and extinguish the blaze, with support from the Zaria Local Government authorities.