The Jigawa Tanker Explosion Investigation Panel confirmed that the tragic explosion in Majiya town on October 14, 2024, resulted in 209 deaths and left 99 people injured.
The explosion also caused extensive material damage, destroying properties worth millions of naira and severely affecting 167 families.
These findings were presented by the panel’s chairman, Hafizu Inuwa, to Governor Umar Namadi during a report submission on Wednesday in Dutse.
In response to the disaster, Governor Namadi had constituted a 25-member investigative panel to determine the causes of the explosion and propose preventive measures.
The panel identified several contributing factors, including deteriorating road infrastructure, such as potholes and damaged speed breakers near the accident site.
Night driving, excessive speeding, and the ignition of spilt fuel by metallic containers used to scoop it were also listed as key causes of the inferno.
Inuwa noted that while 61 of the injured victims have been discharged from hospitals, 38 remain under treatment.
The panel recommended a series of measures to prevent similar tragedies, including:
Regular inspection and enforcement of safety standards for petroleum transporters and articulated vehicles, upgrading emergency response centres and equipping hospitals with trauma and burn units, establishing a dedicated road traffic control agency, and Providing social protection for affected families and enrolling them in the ‘Danmodi Care Programme’ for financial and psychological support.
Governor Namadi commended the panel for its thorough investigation and promised to act on the recommendations.
“We will take decisive actions to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
This government is committed to the safety and well-being of all residents,” he stated.
The panel also praised the government for its prompt response, including providing immediate humanitarian aid to the affected community.
