Niger Tanker Explosion: Death Toll Climbs to 57 in Essa Community Tragedy

The devastating tanker explosion that occurred in the Essa community of Katcha Local Government Area in Niger State has seen its casualty figure tragically increase to 57 fatalities. The incident, which happened on October 21, 2025, involved a petrol tanker that overturned and subsequently burst into flames while local residents were attempting to scoop the spilled fuel. Initial reports had put the death toll at over 35 lives lost, with numerous individuals sustaining severe injuries.

Dependable NG reports that Dr. Ibrahim Hussaini, the Director of Information and Linkages for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed the somber update on the rising number of deaths. According to his statement, the death toll has now reached 57. He explained that the new fatalities were tragically among the 14 victims who had been critically injured in the explosion.

Furthermore, Dr. Hussaini noted that 52 victims are currently receiving medical attention in various hospitals across the state and in Abuja.

This latest report follows an earlier update from Hussaini Isah, Head of the Minna Operations Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), who on October 24, 2025, confirmed that 46 people had lost their lives, including one person who succumbed to injuries. At that time, approximately 63 others were still being treated. Isah’s breakdown of the 45 initial fatalities included 12 males, 27 females, and 6 children, while the 63 injured victims comprised 24 males, 32 females, and 7 children.

Isah had strongly reiterated that all the deaths and injuries were a direct consequence of the risky practice of fuel scooping after the accident. The injured were initially moved to Essa Primary Health Care and Idris Private Hospital before being transferred to Umaru Sanda General Hospital Bida and the Federal Medical Centre in Bida. Tragically, 14 of the most critically injured were referred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital for advanced medical care, a group from which the latest fatalities are drawn.