A devastating petrol tanker explosion occurred in Niger state, northern Nigeria, on Saturday, claiming the lives of at least 60 people and leaving many more injured.
The tragedy unfolded when a petrol tanker truck overturned, spilling fuel that eventually exploded.
According to Kumar Tsukwam, FRSC sector commander for Niger state, the majority of the victims were impoverished local residents who had rushed to collect the spilled petrol despite warnings from authorities.
“A large crowd gathered to scoop fuel, and suddenly, the tanker burst into flames, engulfing another tanker,” Tsukwam explained.
This incident follows a similar blast in Jigawa state last October, which killed 147 people.
Such accidents have become disturbingly common in Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, where the cost of living crisis has worsened significantly since President Bola Tinubu removed a long-standing petrol subsidy in May 2023.
The price of petrol has skyrocketed by over 400% since then.
Bologi Ibrahim, spokesperson for the Niger state governor, urged residents to prioritize their safety when petrol tanker trucks are involved in accidents.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has also emphasized the importance of exercising caution in such situations.
