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, setting off 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.
Tanker explosions are a recurring tragedy in Nigeria, despite repeated warnings about the dangers of collecting spilled fuel.
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 agency reported that at least 35 people were killed, while local officials varied the death count to around 29 with 42 injured.
Nema officials are responding to the incident but have yet to confirm the figures. Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed his condolences, calling the situation worrisome, unfortunate and pathetic.
Despite awareness campaigns about the perils of gathering fuel from such tanks, locals continue to approach fallen tankers to scoop their contents. The tragically common occurrences are exacerbated by poor road conditions in Nigeria, which have historically contributed to accidents.
This particular tanker was transporting petroleum products from Lagos in southern Nigeria to the north, shedding light on the continuing dangers that plague the nation’s road transport system.
In similar past incidents, a fuel tanker explosion in Jigawa state killed 153 people last year, while an incident in Niger state in January resulted in the deaths of 86 individuals.
