Devastating Fuel Tanker Explosion in Northern Nigeria Claims 94 Lives, Injures 50

HomeNewsDevastating Fuel Tanker Explosion in Northern Nigeria Claims 94 Lives, Injures 50

Devastating Fuel Tanker Explosion in Northern Nigeria Claims 94 Lives, Injures 50

A tragic fuel tanker explosion claimed the lives of at least 94 people and injured 50 others in Jigawa State, northern Nigeria, on Tuesday night.

According to Lawan Shiisu Adam, a spokesperson for the Jigawa State Police Command, the accident occurred in Majia town, located in the Taura local government area, which is approximately 530 kilometers (329.33 miles) north of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The tanker driver lost control of the vehicle, resulting in a devastating crash and subsequent explosion, Adam revealed during a phone interview with Reuters on Wednesday.

In a grim twist, most of the casualties were not directly involved in the crash but were local residents who had rushed to the scene to collect fuel leaking from the overturned tanker.

Tragically, their efforts to gather fuel ended in disaster when the tanker exploded, engulfing the crowd in flames.

Emergency responders immediately transported the injured to nearby hospitals in Ringim and Hadejia towns for treatment. Authorities have announced that a mass burial for those who lost their lives would be held later in the day.

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Nigeria’s poor road infrastructure is often cited as a contributing factor to the numerous accidents that occur across the country every year.

Many of the nation’s roads are riddled with potholes, poorly maintained, and dangerous, particularly for large vehicles like fuel tankers.

Accidents involving such vehicles frequently result in massive loss of life, as people tend to gather around crash sites, often unaware of the grave risks involved.

Just last month, a similar accident occurred in north-central Nigeria when a fuel tanker collided with another truck carrying passengers and livestock.

That accident resulted in a devastating fire, killing at least 48 people and trapping several vehicles in the flames.

These recurring incidents underscore the need for better road safety measures and awareness in the region.

Devastating Fuel Tanker Explosion in Northern Nigeria Claims 94 Lives, Injures 50

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