Tragedy as tanker explosion claims lives in Zaria

Several lives were lost on Monday morning following a horrific tanker explosion in Dan Magaji, Zaria, Kaduna State.

The incident, which occurred at about 8:30 a.m. near the Rochas Foundation School along the Kaduna–Kano expressway bypass, involved two fuel-laden tankers and two passenger-loaded Volkswagen Golf cars.

According to eyewitness accounts, the crash triggered a series of five powerful explosions, sparking an intense fire that engulfed all the vehicles involved. Thick plumes of black smoke rose into the sky, causing panic among residents and bringing traffic on the busy highway to a standstill.

“All the occupants of the cars died on the spot, except one driver who survived but sustained severe burns,” a witness said.

Emergency services and security personnel have cordoned off the area, advising motorists to avoid the route while rescue and recovery efforts continue.