FG mourns 48 lives lost to devastating auto crash in Niger

The Federal Government has joined the people of Niger State and the whole of Nigeria in mourning the profound 48 lives lost in a devastating accident along Bida- Agaie-Lapai road in Niger state in the early hours of Sunday, September 8, 2024.
Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris who disclosed this in a statement on Monday said this terrible incident has shaken the entire Niger State, the nation at large and his thoughts and prayers are with all those affected during this painful time.

According to him, “It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that I extend my heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Niger State and the families, friends.
“And loved ones of the 48 persons who tragically lost their lives in a devastating accident along Bida-Agaie-Lapai road in Niger state in the early hours of Sunday, September 8, 2024”.

The Minister prayed that the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may God grant their families the strength and fortitude to bear this immeasurable loss.

The accident, which occurred at 4:40 a.m. on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at Koriagi village, involved a tanker loaded with petroleum, resulting in the death of 48 people and injuries to others.
According to the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, the crash involved four vehicles: a DAF tanker, two DAF trucks, and a Toyota car. The tanker, was transporting petroleum motor spirit (PMS) from Lagos to Kano, exceeded the legal speed limit, causing the driver to lose control and crash, leading to a fiery explosion.

A second DAF truck, loaded with both passengers and livestock, also speeding, crashed into the burning tanker, followed by the Toyota and the third DAF truck, which failed to maintain a safe driving distance. All the vehicles involved were completely destroyed by the inferno.