The death toll of the petrol tanker explosion in Majiya town, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, on Wednesday, rose to 147.
The chairman of Taura LGA, Shu’aibu Hambali, confirmed the latest causality figure on Wednesday evening while speaking live on a local radio station, Arewa Radio.
More so, mass burial has been held for the 147 victims who died while scooping fuel from the tanker wreckage. Earlier, it was reported that no fewer than 105 people were confirmed dead following the tragic incident.
According to the local council chairman, the figures were collated after the bodies were counted just before the mass burial for the deceased on Wednesday. “About 74 injured persons are receiving treatment at different hospitals within and around the state, including Ringim General Hospital, among others in Bauchi and Yobe States, respectively,” the council chairman pointed out.
The tanker, he said, departed Kano on its way to Nguru town in Yobe State when the driver suddenly lost control of the vehicle, followed by the explosion.
Reports also indicate that after the tragic incident, some villagers swarmed the scene to scoop fuel, resulting in the death of many more.
