A petrol tanker driver has been left with severe burns after two fuel tankers collided and exploded in Zaria, Kaduna State.
The incident happened on Monday in the Dan Magaji area, along the busy Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Unit Commander in Zaria, Nasiru Falgore, the accident began when the tyre of a tanker heading from Kaduna to Kano suddenly burst. The driver lost control, and another tanker coming from behind crashed into it. Both vehicles, heavily loaded with petrol, immediately went up in flames.
The fire spread quickly, covering a large part of the road and forcing motorists to stop. Thick black smoke could be seen from a distance, causing panic among residents and travellers.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, with firefighters from the Kaduna State Fire Service and Ahmadu Bello University working together to control the blaze. Their quick response prevented the fire from spreading further and causing more damage.
While no life was lost, the driver of one of the tankers suffered severe burns and was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
The incident caused heavy traffic on the expressway for hours, as rescue teams cleared the wreckage. Authorities are urging drivers to always maintain their vehicles, especially those carrying flammable goods, to avoid similar accidents.
This is the latest in a series of tanker-related incidents that have raised safety concerns on Nigeria’s highways.
