36 days after the devastating Majiya tanker explosion in Jigawa State, Northwestern Nigeria, the Investigation Committee has submitted its report to the State government, revealing a death toll of 209, 38 still hospitalised, and 86 fully recovered and reunited with their families.
The tragic incident happened when a fuel tanker overturned while trying to avoid crashing into a truck near the town of Majiya in Jigawa State.
Many villagers attempted to scoop up the spilled petrol, which led to a devastating fire and explosion.
The Investigation Committee, Set by the Jigawa State government Submits it’s Report to Jigawa State Governor.
The Committee was mandated to finding out, among other things, the remote and immediate causes of the inferno, damage caused and ascertain the actual casualties and proper recommendations on how to avert future occurrence.
According to the committee, the incident was caused by a number of factors including damaged speed-breaker and potholes located near the scene, night driving and high speed, among others.
The inferno was possibly ignited by combined factors including, but not limited to, friction of metallic containers with hard surface or other containers, as victims were scooping the spilled fuel.
Accordingly, the Committee recommend amongst others:
a) Regular inspections and enforcement of safety protocols for all petroleum transport and other articulated vehicles
b) Upgrading of emergency response centres
c) Establishment of a trauma centre and burns units in health facilities across the State.
d) In order to curtail the rising rate of accidents and flagrant violation of road traffic rules in the State, Government may consider establishing an agency responsible for the regulation and management of road traffic in the State.
e) Government is advised to provide a sustainable empowerment scheme in Majia town (e.g. farm mechanization and irrigation programme, agricultural value addition, skills acquisition, etc.)
f) Where the victims or their relatives are seemingly old and vulnerable, government should provide them with social protection.
g) Government is advised to enroll the most poor and vulnerable victims and their relatives into the Danmodi Care Programme.
