25th March, 2013
MADUABUCHI NMERIBEH/Kano
Two persons were confirmed dead in a tanker explosion on Gwarzo Road, Kano, northwest Nigeria on Monday.
A moving Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, tanker rammed into a stationary tanker, resulting into a huge explosion that caused fear and panic within the area.
Residents said they feared it was yet another Improvised Explosive Devices, IIDs when the sound reverberated, spewing thick flames into the sky.
The accident caused traffic-jam for about five hours before the situation was taken under control.
The NNPC tanker was conveying diesel when the accident occurred.
The inferno that raged from the explosion also touched private properties along the road, including Abdul Salam Steel and Aluminium Limited, located close to the Kano state secretariat of National Youth Service Corps, NYSC.
“I was at the mosque relaxing after the morning prayers when somebody called that my office is under fire I can’t image it. I rushed down to see things for myself. It was a total damage and all I was told was this NNPC Tanker hit the one in the front which has stocked here since yesterday,” said Garba Ismail Muhammed who witnessed the accident.
Head of Operation, National Road Safety Commission, Kano sector command, Kabiru Nadabo confirmed the death of two persons during the accident, whose bodies have been deposited to Murtala Mohhamed Specialist Hospital morgue.
“As you can see men of the road safety, Police, Civil defenses and state fire service are all here on rescue mission. The accident happened early this morning when the NNPC Tanker loaded with fuel hit the already parked Tanker and both busted in fire. We have recovered two dead bodies burnt beyond recognition. Now, our men are working hard to clear the road against traffic jam,” Garba narrated.