Gasoline Tanker Explosion in Nigeria Claims Over 140 Lives, Injures Many
A devastating explosion involving an overturned gasoline tanker in Nigeria has resulted in the deaths of more than 140 people, including children, with dozens more injured. This tragic incident occurred in the town of Majiya, Jigawa state, when residents gathered to collect fuel leaking from the vehicle.
According to police spokesperson Lawan Adam, the accident happened around midnight when the tanker driver lost control on the highway. As locals rushed to scoop up the spilled fuel, a massive fire erupted.
Nura Abdullahi, head of the National Emergency Management Agency in the area, reported that nearly 140 victims were buried in a mass grave, with others interred at different locations. Many of the bodies were so badly burned that they were unrecognizable, according to emergency services.
Residents mourned on Wednesday during a mass burial for the victims, highlighting the community’s grief over the loss.
Deadly tanker accidents are a frequent occurrence in Nigeria, where traffic laws are often not enforced, and the lack of a reliable railway system exacerbates the situation. Following such accidents, it is not uncommon for individuals to attempt to salvage fuel, using cups and buckets to collect it. This practice has surged due to soaring fuel prices, which have tripled since last year after the government lifted costly gas subsidies.
Police indicated that the driver had traveled approximately 110 kilometers (68 miles) from neighboring Kano state prior to the accident. The Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency initially reported a death toll of 105, including individuals who succumbed to their injuries in hospitals. Dr. Haruna Mairiga, head of Jigawa emergency services, noted that most of the deceased were “burned to ashes” at the accident scene.
Dr. Mairiga remarked, “If they knew about the danger, they wouldn’t have gone to fetch the fuel.” Emergency services reportedly arrived several hours after the incident.
Local resident Sani Umar recounted the chaos, stating that the fire “spread so quickly that many couldn’t escape.” He described a scene of panic as people ran in all directions, calling for help.
“This is a heartbreaking moment for us all,” stated state police Commissioner Ahmadu Abdullahi.
