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Tag: Fire

  • Niger tanker fire: What FG should do to stop such incidents – NUPENG

    Niger tanker fire: What FG should do to stop such incidents – NUPENG

    The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has appealed to the Federal Government to repair bad roads in the country to prevent incidents such as the tragic Niger State tanker fire.

    Mr Williams Akporeha, NUPENG President, said this in a statement jointly signed by Mr Afolabi Olawale, General Secretary of the union on Sunday in Abuja.

    It would be recalled that on Saturday, a tanker carrying 60,000 litres of gasoline had an accident and exploded at the Dikko junction and at least 80 persons died and many others left battling for life.

    NUPENG while expressing sadness over the death of the people and the injured extended heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and communities affected by the tragic petroleum truck accident.

    “We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives, the destruction of property, and the injuries sustained by many in this devastating incident.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones during this traumatic and challenging time.

    “The union takes this opportunity to urgently appeal to the Federal Government to repair bad roads to prevent such incidents.

    “The union will intensify efforts in sensitizirg the public about the dangers of scooping fuel from accidental situations of petroleum trucks on highways,” it said.

    The statement said that as a responsible organisation, NUPENG collaborated annually with relevant agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Police, and State Traffic Management agencies, to train its drivers on road safety.

    It added that the union was committed to continuously training and retraining its members on best driving and safety practices.

    It therefore said the union would stand in solidarity with the affected families and the entire Dikko community in Niger State.

    “We commend the emergency responders who bravely extinguished the fire and rescued many injured victims.

    “We urge all relevant authorities to provide the necessary support and medical care to those injured and to take measures to prevent future tragedies.

    “May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may their families find the strength to bear these irreparable losses,” it said.

  • What Tinubu, First Lady, Shettima said about Niger petrol fire

    What Tinubu, First Lady, Shettima said about Niger petrol fire

    President Bola Tinubu has expressed sorrow over the fuel tanker explosion, which caused the death of over 80 people, with many also injured.

    The explosion occurred on Saturday at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger, bringing about an immense human toll, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, said in a statement on Sunday.

    President Tinubu mourned the victims and expressed his condolences to the families affected, as well as to the government and people of Niger.

    He underscored the tragic and preventable nature of the incident, as many victims were those scooping Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the overturned tanker.

    The President directed the provision of comprehensive medical care to the injured and instructed security and road safety authorities to implement measures to avert similar incidents.

    “President Tinubu strongly advises all citizens to exercise caution and avoid approaching accident sites, especially those involving fuel-laden vehicles, due to their highly explosive nature.

    “Additionally, the President has mandated the National Orientation Agency to initiate a nationwide educational campaign.

    “This campaign will raise public awareness about the severe risks and environmental dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers,” said the statement.

    Tanker Explosion: First Lady commiserates with Niger people

    The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has expressed condolences to the government and people of Niger state  over the fuel tanker explosion that claimed lives on Saturday.

    According to a statement issued on Sunday by Mrs Busola Kukoyi, the first lady’s spokesperson, the explosion occurred at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger, bringing about an immense human toll

    In the condolence message, Mrs Tinubu also commiserated with Gov. Mohammed Bago, saying that her thoughts and prayers were with him and the families and loved ones of the deceased.

    “I received with sadness, the news of the fuel tanker explosion which occurred on Saturday, at the Dikko Junction, Niger state where several lives were lost and many sustained injuries.

    “I condole with Gov. Mohammed Bago, the families and loved ones of the departed souls, the injured and the entire people of the state.

    “I urge everyone to please be more cautious and avoid scenes of accidents especially involving vehicles conveying inflammable substances, due to the high risks involved,” she said.

    The first lady further prayed for the governor, the families and the loved ones of the departed for the fortitude to bear the pains.

    Niger Tanker Explosion: Shettima commiserates with families of victims

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima has commiserated with families of victims of fuel tanker explosion that claimed several lives at Dikko Junction in Niger State.

    In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr Stanley Nkwocha on Sunday in Abuja, Shettima assured them of the Federal Government’s commitment to preventing future occurrences.

    The Vice-President, who expressed dismay at the devastating tanker explosion, extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, as well as the government and people of the state.

    The Vice-President’s message follows President Bola Tinubu’s earlier directive for immediate medical assistance to survivors and the implementation of stricter safety protocols along major highways.

    The incident, which occurred when a fuel-laden tanker en route from Kaduna to Gwagwalada overturned at Dikko Junction, had prompted the federal government to announce a comprehensive review of transportation safety measures.

    The President had also tasked the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to launch an immediate nationwide awareness campaign on the dangers of approaching accident scenes involving fuel tankers.

  • FG breaks silence over Niger petrol tanker fire

    FG breaks silence over Niger petrol tanker fire

    The Federal Government has expressed its condolences to the government and people of Niger State following the recent petrol tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area.

    Prof. Nantewe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, described the incident in a statement on Sunday as tragic, noting that it claimed many lives and destroyed the property of innocent citizens.

    The statement was issued in Abuja by Rhoda Iliya, the ministry’s Information Officer.

    The Minister, expressing concern over the rising frequency of tanker explosions in the country, warned motorists against reckless driving that could endanger innocent lives.

    Yilwatda urged them to strictly adhere to road traffic regulations at all times.

    “I am deeply saddened by the frequent occurrence of tanker explosions in the country, which always leads to loss of lives, injuries, and property damage.

    “I share in the pain of the community who lost their loved ones in this devastating incident,” Yilwatda said.

    He also offered his condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

    The minister commended the swift response of Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger State and his team, particularly the State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Fire Service, and the Federal Road Safety Corps.

    He also thanked the Nigeria Police Force and other concerned Nigerians who assisted in evacuating the victims from the scene.

    According to the Director-General of NSEMA, Mr Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the incident resulted in 86 fatalities, with 80 individuals buried in a mass grave and the rest handed over to their families for burial.

    The number of injured persons has risen to 55, with one fatality recorded at the healthcare facility in Dikko.

  • DISTURBING VIDEO: Amid tears, victims of Niger petrol tanker fire buried in mass grave

    DISTURBING VIDEO: Amid tears, victims of Niger petrol tanker fire buried in mass grave

    The death toll in the Dikko tanker explosion has risen to 86, with 80 of the victims buried in a mass grave already.

    Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), disclosed this in Minna on Sunday.

    He said five of the victims were carried away by their relatives for burial while one died at the Dikko Primary Healthcare Centre.

    Baba-Arah said that the mass burial was carried out by NSEMA in collaboration with authorities of the Gurara Local Government Council and volunteers.

    He confirmed that the number of injured persons was now 55.

    Recall that the tanker explosion occurred on Saturday morning on the Dikko-Maje road in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger.

    The incident happened when a tanker loaded with petrol fell and an attempt was made to transfer its content.

    Some residents had besieged the fallen tanker, scooping fuel.

    An attempt to switch on a generator to ease the transfer of the petrol triggered an explosion, resulting in the deaths and destruction of properties.

    Watch video of Niger petrol tanker fire victims here [WARNING: DISTURBING VIDEO ATTACHED]

  • See video of Niger petrol tanker fire victims [WARNING: DISTURBING VIDEO ATTACHED]

    See video of Niger petrol tanker fire victims [WARNING: DISTURBING VIDEO ATTACHED]

    Over 80 lives were lost to the tragic tanker fire incident that occurred along the everbusy Abuja-Kaduna expressway at Dikko junction in Suleja, Niger State, on Saturday.

    Numerous others were injured as the devastating tanker fire left destruction in its wake, burning down several shops and properties worth millions of Naira.

    This horrific incident occurred when a truck loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, lost control and eventually caught fire.

    The loaded petrol tanker fell at the scene of the incident with people scooping the spilling fuel, unaware of the impending danger.

    Those who went to scoop fuel were engulfed by the flames just as those who went to rescue them were also affected.

    Watch video of Niger petrol tanker fire victims here [WARNING: DISTURBING VIDEO ATTACHED].

  • BREAKING: Many charred, others battling for life as petrol tanker burst into flames in Niger State [VIDEO]

    BREAKING: Many charred, others battling for life as petrol tanker burst into flames in Niger State [VIDEO]

    Many have been burnt beyond recognition while others are battling for their lives after a petrol tanker burst into flames in Niger State on Saturday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) gathered that the petrol tanker fire happened in the early hours of today at the popular Dikko Junction in Suleja, Niger State.

    An eyewitness speculates that the victims of the Dikko junction petrol tanker fire incident are up to 20; meanwhile, the actual number of casualties was yet to be ascertained at the time of filing this report.

    Confirming the sad incident, Niger State Governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed shock over the tanker explosion that claimed several lives in Dikko junction, around the Abuja-Kaduna expressway.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the farmer Governor described the explosion as worrisome, heartbreaking and unfortunate. He specifically sympathised with the families of the victims of the explosion and prayed that Allah will repose the souls of the departed and heal the injured.

     

    Meanwhile, Governor Bago has cautioned the people of the State to always be responsible and give priority to their safety.

    He directed all the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to do what is necessary while urging the Security Agents to ensure security in the area.

    “A Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol tanker was said to have exploded at Dikko junction this morning after which some residents of the area went to scoop its content.

    “Scores were said to have been burnt to death, while several others sustained various degrees of burnt,” the statement by CPS Ibrahim reads.

     

    Details shortly…

  • FRSC restores traffic after Lagos tanker fire

    FRSC restores traffic after Lagos tanker fire

    The Lagos State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has successfully managed a crash involving a tanker, which resulted in fire.

    The accident occurred at 1.59 p.m. on Epe-Ijebu (outward Epe) route, specifically around Odo Agboju.

    The Lagos State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Kehinde Hamzat, made  this known in a statement on Wednesday.

    The statement was signed by Elizabeth Jayeola, Lagos Sector Public Education Officer.

    “The crash which involved two male individuals was promptly attended to with an impressive response time.

    “One male sustained injuries and was immediately transported to the General Hospital, Epe, for medical attention. No fatalities were recorded.

    “The white Mark tanker involved in the crash, caught fire, leading to significant traffic congestion as both inward and outward routes of Epe were blocked,” he said.

    He said that FRSC mobilised its personnel in Lagos, adding that  reinforcements from Ogun Sector Command were made to assist in traffic management and ensure  safety of road users.

    “The Lagos State Fire Service worked tirelessly to extinguish the fire, while officers from Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Neighborhood Watch, and Lagos State Emergency Management Authority provided critical support.

    “The fire has subsided, and traffic flow has been restored on a single lane to ease the gridlock.

    “FRSC officers remain on-site to manage the situation and ensure motorists’ safety,” he said.

    Hamzat commended the swift collaboration of all emergency responders  involved in minimising the impact of the crash.

    He advised motorists to exercise caution while using the Epe-Ijebu route and to follow instructions from traffic managers.

  • Just in: Heavy fire engulfs FCT popular hotel

    Just in: Heavy fire engulfs FCT popular hotel

    A popular hotel in the Garki area of Abuja, Focus Holiday Inn, has been engulfed by fire.

    Eyewitnesses said the fire, which began around 3 am, started from a section of the building before engulfing the three-storey structure

    It was gathered that officials of the hotel were alerted when a guest ran down to the reception unclad to notify workers about the fire.

    The fire, which started from a section of the three-storey building, extended to other parts of the complex, causing panic among guests and staff members.

    At the time of this report, fire service officials had arrived and were trying to put out the fire.

    Founded in 2022, Focus Holiday Inn describes itself as an upscale and luxurious home away from home in Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital.

    The cause of the fire is unclear and no casualty has so far been reported.

  • LA wildfires: 3 arrested on arson suspicion as death toll rises

    LA wildfires: 3 arrested on arson suspicion as death toll rises

    The death toll in the major wildfires that have been ravaging the Los Angeles area rose to 25 on Tuesday, as police highlighted three “noteworthy” arrests of arson suspects.

    Seventeen of the fatalities are related to the Eaton Fire near Pasadena, the city’s medical examiner said on Tuesday, while the other eight are related to the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades district.

    Fourteen people were arrested in relation to the Palisades fire, Los Angeles Police Department’s Steve Embrich said at a Tuesday news conference.

    “We have three noteworthy arrests throughout the outside of the fire zone, very significant to our efforts,” Embrich said.

    The three arson suspects were arrested on Sunday and Monday.

    Embrich said that the other suspects have been detained for violating curfews, impersonating a firefighter and police officer, vandalism, and burglary.

    “Looting is not just a crime against property, it also takes away any sense of security from evacuated residents and it will not be tolerated,” he said.

    Embrich also said that at least 13 people were still considered missing in connection with the Palisades Fire, but they are not presumed dead.

    Authorities also reported progress in fighting the blazes. The Palisades Fire is now 14 per cent contained.

    The fire department said on Tuesday afternoon that the flames had hardly spread over the previous few hours. The flames have charred an area of almost 96 square kilometres within a week.

    The Eaton Fire was 33 per cent under control. Firefighters warned that the danger was not over yet, as a red flag warning remained in place as strong winds were expected through Wednesday morning.

    The winds were not expected to significantly drop until Thursday, when temperatures were also expected to cool.

  • Wildfire death toll hits 24 as Los Angeles set for more strong winds

    Wildfire death toll hits 24 as Los Angeles set for more strong winds

    At least 24 people have died as major wildfires continue to ravage the Los Angeles area in the U.S. state of California, the city’s medical examiner said on Sunday.

    No fewer than 16 of the fatalities are related to the Eaton Fire near Pasadena, and eight others to the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades district.

    There have been several major fires in the region since Tuesday, but these two are the most severe.

    Officials fear the death toll may continue to rise, since it may take days before emergency services can safely access all areas impacted by the fires.

    Firefighters were preparing for gusts to pick up again in the coming days, exacerbating what officials say could be one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history.

    The U.S. weather service forecast wind speeds of up to 110 kilometres per hour for Sunday, which, combined with dry vegetation, favours the rapid and unpredictable spread of both existing and new fires.

    The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) warned of “critical fire weather” through to Wednesday.

    “Life-threatening winds and dangerously low humidity are forecast for much of Southern California – from Ventura to San Diego – creating a significant risk of rapid fire spread,” the department wrote on X.

    It warned the wind would increase fire activity and urged people to avoid mowing their lawns and parking their vehicles on dry grass and to ensure all campfires were extinguished.

    According to Cal Fire officials, some 12,300 buildings have been destroyed or damaged. Since Tuesday, almost 163 square kilometres of land have gone up in flames – a space almost the size of Washington D.C.

    California Governor Gavin Newsom, speaking to broadcaster NBC, said the wildfires would be the worst natural disaster in U.S. history, in terms of the “scale and scope,” as well as the costs it has caused.

    Newsom went on to sign an executive order to temporarily suspend environmental regulations for destroyed homes and businesses.

    “Just issued an Executive Order that will allow victims of the SoCal fires to not get caught up in bureaucratic red tape and quickly rebuild their homes,” he wrote on X.

    According to a preliminary estimate by the private U.S weather service AccuWeather, the fires have caused more than $135 billion in damage.

    Arnold Schwarzenegger was among the Hollywood actors living in and around areas impacted by the fires.

    “Don’t worry about me, or my animals, and certainly not my house,” the film star and former governor of California said, asking fans to think instead of the “heroic firefighters.”

    As the fires rage on, attention has increasingly turned to the people fighting them, among them several hundred prisoners being paid a maximum of $10 a day for gruelling work trying to contain the blaze.

    Californian authorities say the prisoners have undergone several days of training and are working voluntarily on removing flammable material and creating so-called firebreaks or gaps in vegetation to stop the spread of fire.

    They are given another $1 per hour for emergency work. Each day spent working as a rescue worker shortens the prison sentence by two days.

    Only inmates who are serving a prison sentence of a maximum of eight years and are not serving time for crimes such as rape or arson may be deployed as helpers.