Fuel Tanker Explosion in Nigeria Kills 147, Injures Dozens More
A devastating accident involving a fuel tanker occurred overnight on a highway in Jigawa state, resulting in a deadly explosion. According to police spokesperson Lawan Shiisu Adam, the crash prompted locals to gather around the overturned vehicle to collect fuel before the explosion ignited a massive fire on Wednesday.
Footage reportedly from the scene revealed intense flames engulfing the area, with numerous bodies visible in the aftermath. The fire continued to burn into the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Haruna Mairiga, the head of Jigawa’s Emergency Management Agency, confirmed that at least 147 lives were lost, a figure also corroborated by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The tanker, having traveled roughly 110 kilometers (68 miles) from Kano state, swerved to avoid hitting another truck in Majia, according to police reports. The tanker had been transporting fuel to northern Nigeria along a major road when the accident occurred, spilling its contents.
At least 50 individuals suffering injuries were transported to hospitals in nearby towns, including Ringim and Hadejia, where they received medical care, according to police and emergency responders.
Vice President Kashim Shettima issued a statement on Wednesday, calling for an urgent review of safety measures and announcing that the federal government would provide aid to those affected by the disaster.
Image credit: Modern Ghana. All rights reserved.