The number of casualties from the recent petrol tanker explosion in Essa community, Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State, has risen to 57.
The tragic incident occurred on October 21, 2025, after a petrol tanker overturned and spilled its contents. Residents who attempted to scoop the fuel reportedly triggered a massive explosion.
Initially, reports indicated that over 35 people lost their lives, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Confirming the latest figures, Dr. Ibrahim Hussaini, Director of Information and Linkages at the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), told Daily Post that 57 people have now died, while 52 victims are still receiving treatment at various hospitals.
According to him, the new fatalities include 14 victims who were among those critically injured in the explosion.
Earlier, Hussaini Isah, Head of the Minna Operations Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), stated on October 24, 2025, that 46 people had died and 63 others were being treated for injuries.
He explained that the casualties included 12 males, 27 females, and 6 children, while the injured comprised 24 males, 32 females, and 7 children.
Isah added:
“All the deaths and injuries resulted from people attempting to scoop fuel. Some victims were initially taken to Essa Primary Health Care and Idris Private Hospital but were later transferred to Umaru Sanda General Hospital, Bida, and the Federal Medical Centre, Bida. Fourteen critically injured patients were referred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital for advanced care.”
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