The Kano State Fire Service has confirmed the deaths of three people in two separate fire incidents that occurred on Friday across the state.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Service’s spokesperson, ACFO Saminu Yusif Abdullahi, the first incident happened around 1:30 p.m. at the Kura Market junction along Zaria Road. A petrol tanker transporting 30,000 litres of fuel reportedly overturned, hit a cyclist, and burst into flames.
Emergency responders were alerted by a retired Civil Defence officer, Danlami Muhammad. Firefighters from the service headquarters, assisted by police and Federal Road Safety Corps officials, battled the blaze. Four persons were involved in the accident—three were rescued unconscious but later confirmed dead, while the cyclist survived with injuries. The bodies were handed over to the Kura Police Division.
A second fire incident occurred around 2:45 p.m. at Hamisu Plaza on Maiduguri Road in the Taruni Local Government Area. When firefighters arrived, the upper floor of the two-storey commercial building was already engulfed. Three shops were destroyed, but responders managed to prevent the flames from spreading to the lower floors.
A fire truck positioned at the ongoing trade fair site was deployed for the operation. Authorities say the source of the blaze is yet to be determined.
Fire Service Director, Alhaji Sani Anas, urged residents to exercise caution, especially during the harmattan season, noting the increased risk of fire outbreaks. He also called on motorists to adhere strictly to traffic regulations to prevent avoidable disasters.
Kano has recently recorded a series of fire incidents, including the death of four family members in Tarauni Local Government Area nine days ago and the destruction of over 40 shops at Singer Market on November 11.
