Traffic was brought to a stand‑still on the busy route as emergency services responded to the fire incident and worked to secure the scene.
A fuel tanker caught fire on Monday morning along the Kutigi Road in Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State, causing motorists and residents to scramble as thick black smoke rose from the vehicle.
Traffic was brought to a stand‑still on the busy route as emergency services responded to the fire incident and worked to secure the scene.
Authorities later confirmed that the fire was under control and there were no casualties, while investigations into the cause of the incident are ongoing.
Confirming the development to SaharaReporters on Monday, Aishat Saadu, Sector Commander of the Niger State Command, said, “It’s true, no casualties reported for now, the situation is under control.”
She said that a full report was being compiled, adding that it would soon be ready.
In recent times, the state has witnessed several deadly tanker explosions, often triggered by accidents, vehicle crashes or fuel spillage followed by ignition.
In October, a tanker explosion along the Bida–Agaie Road reportedly killed 35 people and injured dozens after the vehicle overturned and its fuel ignited while some persons rushed to collect the spilled petrol.
In 2024, a separate incident on the Kontagora–Minna Road involved a fuel-laden truck that collided with another vehicle, causing a fire that injured several persons and destroyed nearby property.
Another tanker fire occurred in March 2023 along the Kutigi–Bida route, where flames from a truck fire damaged nearby vehicles and forced the temporary closure of the road, though no casualties were reported.