Zaria fuel tanker explosion kills several, FRSC responds

• Rescue operation ongoing – FRSC

By Sola Ojo, Abuja

A tragic accident on Monday morning, August 11, has reportedly claimed multiple lives in Zaria, Kaduna State, following a head-on collision involving two fuel-laden tankers and two passenger-filled Volkswagen Golf cars.

The collision triggered a massive explosion, exacerbating the crash.

Eyewitness accounts reported the crash occurred around 8:30 a.m. near the Rochas Foundation School along the Kaduna-Kano Expressway bypass, between Kwangila and Dan Magaji. The impact caused both tankers to erupt in flames, with thick plumes of smoke visible several kilometres away.

While the exact number of casualties could not be immediately confirmed, witnesses reported that all occupants of the Golf cars died on the spot, except one driver who sustained severe burns and was rushed to the hospital. According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the collision triggered five loud explosions, followed by a massive fire that engulfed the highway.

A Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident, noting that rescue operations were ongoing as of the time of filing this report. “Medical and security teams, including operatives of FRSC, police, and fire service personnel, swiftly responded to the incident. They cordoned off the area and diverted traffic to alternative routes to prevent further accidents and allow rescue operations to continue,” the source said, adding that the service will provide an update once the rescue operation is concluded.

Motorists plying the Kaduna-Kano Expressway have been urged to exercise caution, adhere to traffic directives, and avoid the accident scene until it is cleared.