The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of 35 lives in an inferno that occurred along the Bida–Lapai route, after Badegi, on Tuesday.

The unfortunate victims were caught in the explosion while attempting to scoop fuel from a crashed tanker laden with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The incident also left forty-six (46) persons with varying degrees of injuries.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Olusegun Ogungbemide, Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer.

According to reports from the FRSC Rescue Team deployed to the scene, the crash occurred at about 12:15 p.m. when the fuel tanker lost control due to the poor state of the road and overturned. Minutes later, residents of the area reportedly rushed to the site to scoop fuel from the fallen vehicle.

Tragedy struck when the volatile substance ignited, triggering a massive fire that consumed 35 people and destroyed nearby properties.

The FRSC rescue team, led by the Unit Head of Operations, promptly responded to the distress call in collaboration with the Niger State Fire Service, Bida Division. Together, they battled the raging flames and evacuated injured victims to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.

While commiserating with the victims and their families, Shehu Mohammed, Corps Marshal, described the incident as “a needless national tragedy born out of ignorance, greed, and disregard for safety warnings.

“This is not just a crash; it is a painful reminder that every time people ignore safety advice and rush to scoop petrol, they gamble with their lives. No litre of fuel is worth a human life,” Mohammed stated.

He further directed all FRSC formations nationwide to intensify community-based sensitisation, particularly in rural and high-risk areas, warning residents to steer clear of fuel-laden crash sites.

The Corps Marshal also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, and local authorities to support the Corps in educating communities on the dangers of fuel scooping.

Mohammed noted that most high-fatality crashes recorded in 2024 were linked to fuel scooping rather than the primary crash events, stressing the need for proactive community education to prevent a recurrence.

The Corps urged motorists and residents along major highways to report any crash involving tankers or hazardous materials through the FRSC toll-free emergency number 122, instead of engaging in reckless and life-threatening actions.

The FRSC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safer road environments through sustained public enlightenment, strict enforcement, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to avert similar tragedies in the future.

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