Three people were killed on Friday in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State following a petrol tanker accident, while a separate fire incident destroyed shops at Hamisu Plaza along Maiduguri Road. The incidents occurred within a few hours of each other, raising concerns over safety during the ongoing harmattan season.
The Kano State Fire Service provided details of the accidents in a statement issued on Saturday. The statement was signed by ACFO Saminu Yusif Abdullahi, the Public Relations Officer of the Service.
The first accident occurred around 1:30 p.m., when the Fire Service received a distress call from retired Civil Defence officer Danlami Muhammad, who reported that a petrol tanker had overturned at the Kura market junction along Zaria Road.
Firefighters quickly responded from the headquarters and the Kura station, discovering a petrol tanker with registration number NGZ 250 XA carrying about 30,000 litres of fuel. The tanker had overturned and caught fire, striking a cyclist on the road.
“The incident affected four people. Three of the victims were found unconscious and were later confirmed dead, while the cyclist managed to escape alive,” the Fire Service said.
The fire was brought under control with the support of the police and the Federal Road Safety Corps. The deceased victims were handed over to ASP Ahmad Lawan of the Kura Police Division for further investigation.
Two fire trucks responded to the scene—one from the headquarters and another from the Kura station. The cause of the tanker crash is still under investigation, according to the statement.
The accident underscores ongoing safety challenges on Nigerian roads, particularly during the harmattan season when dry conditions, low visibility, and slippery roads contribute to traffic hazards.
The second incident occurred around 2:45 p.m., less than two hours after the tanker crash. The Fire Service received a call from Fire Assistant III Ahmad Gwangwazo, reporting a fire at Hamisu Plaza in Taruni Local Government Area.
Firefighters arrived to find a two-storey commercial building measuring about 200 by 200 feet engulfed in flames on the upper floor. The fire affected three shops, while firefighters managed to save two others and prevented the blaze from spreading to the ground floor or adjacent shops.
A fire truck stationed at the ongoing trade fair nearby also joined the operation to help contain the fire. The cause of the blaze is still under investigation, the statement added.
The Director of the Kano State Fire Service, Alhaji Sani Anas, used the incidents to urge residents to be cautious during the harmattan season, a period known for dry weather, dust, and increased fire risks.
He reminded the public to handle fire with care and take precautions to avoid disasters, particularly when cooking, using electricity, or storing flammable materials.
Alhaji Anas also appealed to motorists to drive carefully and follow traffic rules to prevent accidents that could lead to injuries, loss of life, or property damage.
Both incidents highlight the dangers posed by fuel transportation and urban fires, especially in densely populated areas. The loss of three lives in Kura and the destruction of shops at Hamisu Plaza illustrate the human and economic toll of such accidents.
Kura market junction and Maiduguri Road are busy areas in Kano, frequently used by traders, commuters, and commercial vehicles. Accidents in these locations can have far-reaching consequences, disrupting traffic, affecting businesses, and endangering lives.
The destruction of shops at Hamisu Plaza is particularly significant as many small business owners rely on their stores for livelihoods. Although firefighters saved some shops, the losses suffered by affected traders may take time to recover.
Kano State has experienced multiple road accidents and fire incidents, often caused by reckless driving, poor vehicle maintenance, and lack of fire safety awareness.
The harmattan season, characterized by dry winds and low humidity, increases the risk of fires. In previous years, several fire outbreaks and tanker accidents have caused fatalities and extensive property damage in the state.
The recent twin incidents serve as a reminder of the need for improved road safety enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and stronger fire prevention measures in Kano and other northern states.
The local government and emergency agencies are expected to conduct thorough investigations into the causes of both accidents. Officials may also review existing safety protocols for fuel transport and commercial building operations to reduce future risks.
Community leaders and residents have expressed concern and sympathy for the victims, emphasizing the importance of responsible driving and fire safety practices.
“The loss of life in Kura is tragic, and the fire at Hamisu Plaza has affected many small businesses,” said a local trader who requested anonymity. “We hope authorities will take steps to prevent such incidents from happening again.”
