- Fuel tanker explosion in Nigeria kills 104
- Crowd gathering petrol ignites, despite police warnings
- 100 injured, mass burial planned
A devastating fuel tanker explosion occurred overnight in northern Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of at least 104 people. The tragedy unfolded when a crowd gathered to collect leaking petrol from an overturned tanker, despite warnings from police.
According to police spokesman Lawal Shiisu Adam, officers had cordoned off the area after the tanker crashed in the town of Majia, Jigawa state, at approximately 23:30 local time on Tuesday. However, they were unable to contain the growing crowd.
“We tried our best to stop people going to the vehicle to get petrol, but despite cordoning the area, we were overpowered, and as people were scooping fuel, fire erupted,” Adam told the BBC.
The driver, who remained unharmed, has been taken into custody for investigation. The fuel tanker was traveling from Kano to Nguru in Yobe state when the driver lost control.
A distressing video shared on social media captured the chaotic moments following the explosion. Emergency services rushed to the scene to provide assistance.
Many victims suffered severe burns, with some bodies beyond recognition. Recovered bodies were covered with tree branches to shield them from onlookers.
Rescue efforts continued, with the death toll rising from 94 to 104. An additional 100 people were injured, with 50 more admitted to the hospital by midday Wednesday.
A mass burial is planned for later today, Adam confirmed.
This tragic incident highlights the prevalence of fuel tanker explosions and accidents in Nigeria, often caused by poor road conditions and poorly maintained vehicles. Just last September, 59 people lost their lives in Niger state after a fuel tanker collided with a lorry carrying passengers and cattle.
