More than 90 people have been confirmed dead following a devastating explosion in Jigawa. Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident as rescue efforts continue.

At least 90 people were confirmed dead following a petrol tanker explosion in Majiya Town, Taura local government area of Jigawa State on Tuesday.

Mr. Shi’isu Adam, the police spokesperson in Jigawa, confirmed this during an interview with NAN on Wednesday.

He also mentioned that 50 other people were hospitalized with varying degrees of injuries as a result of the explosion.

At approximately 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday in Majia Town, located within the Taura local government area of Jigawa, a tanker driver lost control near Khadija University and caused an explosion.

“The accident occurred while the driver was traveling from Kano to Nguru in Yobe,” Adam stated.

He expressed concern that despite police warnings for people to avoid accident scenes involving fuel tankers, they continue to engage in such behavior.

“The large number of casualties was due to people gathering around the accident scene.”

The spokesperson announced that a mass burial for the victims is scheduled to take place at 9 a.m. on Wednesday.

He mentioned that those injured were being treated at Ringim General Hospital.