The death toll from the fuel tanker explosion in Nigeria’s north-central state has risen to 60, according to an official report released on Monday.
Ibrahim Husseini, spokesperson for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, informed the media that the number of fatalities increased as the search and rescue efforts continued.
“Our rapid response team has recovered nine additional bodies, some from beneath the debris of the burnt vehicles,” he stated.
He also noted that three individuals who were critically injured later died at the hospital.
The explosion occurred on Sunday after a fuel tanker collided with another truck in the Agie area. Authorities reported that over 50 cattle were also burned alive in the blaze.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed his sorrow over the tragic event, offering condolences to the grieving families and affected communities.
