Dozens of people have been killed in an oil tanker explosion in Nigeria's central Niger State after the vehicle skidded off the road and crashed, spilling fuel. Villagers rushed to collect fuel from the overturned tanker, which suddenly exploded, resulting in a massive fire that engulfed them. About 30 people reportedly died, while at least 40 others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The intense blaze burned many victims beyond recognition, and the injured were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The accident occurred near the Essan and Badeggi communities along the Bida-Agaie road in the Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State. Nigeria's Federal Road Safety Corps reported at least 35 fatalities, while a local coordinator for the National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) cited a lower number of 29 dead and 42 injured. Officials from Nema were responding to the incident but were unable to confirm the total affected.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed his condolences, calling the incident worrisome, unfortunate and pathetic. He lamented the continued public approach to fallen tankers despite awareness campaigns about the associated dangers. The tanker, which was transporting petroleum from Lagos in southern Nigeria to the north, is believed to have crashed due to poor road conditions—an ongoing issue that significantly contributes to road accidents in the country.
Previous incidents of tanker explosions include a devastating event in October last year that claimed 153 lives in Jigawa State and another in January this year that killed at least 86 people near Suleja, also in Niger State.
The accident occurred near the Essan and Badeggi communities along the Bida-Agaie road in the Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State. Nigeria's Federal Road Safety Corps reported at least 35 fatalities, while a local coordinator for the National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) cited a lower number of 29 dead and 42 injured. Officials from Nema were responding to the incident but were unable to confirm the total affected.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed his condolences, calling the incident worrisome, unfortunate and pathetic. He lamented the continued public approach to fallen tankers despite awareness campaigns about the associated dangers. The tanker, which was transporting petroleum from Lagos in southern Nigeria to the north, is believed to have crashed due to poor road conditions—an ongoing issue that significantly contributes to road accidents in the country.
Previous incidents of tanker explosions include a devastating event in October last year that claimed 153 lives in Jigawa State and another in January this year that killed at least 86 people near Suleja, also in Niger State.
