At least 39 people have lost their lives following a catastrophic fuel tanker explosion in Nigeria’s central Niger state. The tragic event unfolded after the tanker veered off the road and crashed, spilling its flammable cargo. Eyewitnesses reported that villagers rushed to the scene to collect the spilled fuel, only for the tanker to suddenly explode, creating a massive fire that engulfed the area.
Abdullahi Baba Ara, the head of the Niger state emergency service, confirmed that another 60 individuals are currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the blast. The victims were severely burned, with many identified only after being transported to a local hospital.
The accident happened in the Katcha Local Government Area, near the Essan and Badeggi communities, along the Bida-Agaie road. This incident highlights a recurring and devastating problem in Nigeria, where dangerous attempts to collect fuel from overturned tankers often lead to fatal consequences, despite ongoing safety awareness campaigns.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, calling it “worrisome, unfortunate and pathetic.” His chief press secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, emphasized the disheartening nature of people continuing to approach fallen tankers for fuel, even after numerous awareness efforts.
The tanker was reportedly transporting petroleum products from Lagos to northern Nigeria and is believed to have crashed due to the notoriously poor condition of the road. Inadequate road infrastructure is a significant factor contributing to the high rate of road accidents across the country.
This is not the first such tragedy. In October of the previous year, a similar fuel tanker explosion in Jigawa state, northwest Nigeria, resulted in the deaths of at least 153 people. Earlier this year, a truck carrying approximately 60,000 liters of petrol overturned near Suleja, also in Niger state, causing at least 86 fatalities and nearly 70 injuries.
Other Nigeria Stories from the BBC:
- BBC tracks down sextortion scammer targeting teenage boys
- Deported from the US to Ghana then ‘dumped’ at the border: Nigerian man speaks out
- Nigeria banned shea nut exports to help women profit. But it backfired
For more news from the African continent, visit BBCAfrica.com. You can also follow BBC Africa on Twitter (@BBCAfrica), Facebook (BBC Africa), and Instagram (bbcafrica).
Related Stories
- Nigerian farmers need armed guards to protect them from jihadists
- Nigerian police fire tear gas as protesters gather over separatist leader
- Teaching halted as Nigerian lecturers go on strike
More from the BBC
- Eight pupils suspended after video shows assault at South African school
- More than 40 dead after multi-vehicle crash in Uganda
- Passengers jump from windows in fatal Ethiopia train crash
- Kenya at crossroads as nation reels from Odinga’s death
- Madagascar’s Gen Z protesters angry at coup leader’s choice of PM