A fuel tanker explosion in northwestern Nigeria has claimed the lives of over 150 people and injured dozens more, highlighting the ongoing dangers of unsafe practices and poor road conditions in the country.
The tragedy unfolded on Tuesday night when a tanker carrying fuel overturned on an expressway in Jigawa state. Residents rushed to the scene to collect spilled fuel, leading to a catastrophic explosion that engulfed the area in flames.
Videos circulating online show the magnitude of the inferno, with bodies scattered across the scene. The blaze burned into the early hours of Wednesday, resulting in a grim death toll that has risen to 153 as of Thursday.
The tanker, en route to northern Nigeria from Kano state, veered off the road to avoid a collision with another truck, according to police.
Authorities fear the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue. At least 50 injured individuals were taken to hospitals in Ringim and Hadejia, where medical professionals are struggling to cope with the influx of patients.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and calls for action. Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima has ordered a safety review and pledged federal support for those affected. The Nigerian Medical Association has urged doctors to assist in emergency rooms, while lawmakers observed a minute of silence in the Senate.
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According to reports, the frequent occurrence of deadly truck accidents in Nigeria, is often attributed to reckless driving, dilapidated roads, and poorly maintained vehicles.
In recent years, there has been a surge in tanker explosions following accidents, as residents often attempt to siphon fuel. The current economic crisis has exacerbated this dangerous practice, with fuel becoming an increasingly valuable commodity due to recent price hikes.
In the north-central Niger State of Nigeria, a petroleum tanker collided with another truck, resulting in an explosion that killed at least 48 persons last month.
According to Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps, there were 1,531 gasoline tanker crashes in 2020 alone, which resulted in 535 fatalities and 1,142 injuries.
Source: Al Jazeera
