A tragic fuel tanker explosion occurred overnight in northern Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of at least 153 individuals who flocked to the scene to collect leaking petrol, authorities report. The incident took place in Jigawa state, where an overturned tanker was engulfed in flames shortly after the crash.
Reports indicate that approximately 100 others suffered injuries in the explosion and have been transported to nearby hospitals, many in critical condition. Police had issued warnings to bystanders to stay away from the tanker after the late-night accident, but efforts to control the crowd were unsuccessful.
“The crowd overwhelmed our efforts to secure the area as people rushed to siphon fuel, leading to the inferno,” stated a police spokesman. The unfortunate event unfolded around 23:30 local time in the town of Majia, where the fuel tanker was reportedly en route from Kano to Nguru in Yobe state when the driver lost control.
The driver, who was unharmed, is currently in custody as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Eyewitness accounts and distressing video footage captured moments after the fire erupted highlight the chaotic scene.
Emergency services, including fire units, responded swiftly to the disaster, but many victims were burned beyond recognition. The bodies recovered have been covered by tree branches to shield them from public view. Rescue teams are continuing recovery efforts, discovering more bodies, some found at a distance from the site, presumed to have been trying to reach help before succumbing to their injuries.
A mass burial ceremony has taken place for most of the deceased. Fuel tanker explosions are frequent in Nigeria, often attributed to poor road conditions and inadequately maintained vehicles.
As cleanup efforts were ongoing in Jigawa, another fuel tanker accident was reported in Ogun state. The tanker overturned on Wednesday morning in front of a commercial bank, spilling petrol that later ignited, causing considerable damage to surrounding structures but fortunately resulting in no injuries.
This incident follows a recent tragedy in Niger state, where 59 individuals lost their lives after a fuel tanker collided with a lorry transporting passengers and cattle.
