A fuel-laden tanker exploded in the Dan Magaji district of Zaria, Kaduna state, killing several persons, according to reports.

The event occurred around 8:30 a.m. on Monday, near Rochas Foundation School, on the Kaduna-Kano motorway bypass, which runs from Kwangila to Dan Magaji.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency journal, the collision involved two tankers and two Golf cars carrying passengers.

According to eyewitnesses, the collision resulted in five tremendous explosions and a big fire that sent heavy plumes of smoke billowing across the roadway.

“All the occupants of the cars died on the spot, except one driver who survived but sustained severe burns,” a witness said.

The publication further stated that emergency responders, security agencies, and fire service officials have roped off the area, and cars and pedestrians have been asked to avoid the path while rescue and recovery attempts continue.

The actual number of casualties was unknown at the time of filing this article.

TheCable