A devastating fuel tanker explosion in Jigawa state leaves at least 94 dead and 50 injured as residents rush to collect fuel after the accident.
A fuel tanker crashed and exploded late on Tuesday in Jigawa state, northern Nigeria, resulting in at least 94 fatalities and injuring 50 others, according to a police spokesperson.
The incident occurred in Majia town, situated approximately 530 kilometers (329.33 miles) north of the capital, Abuja.
Jigawa State Police Command spokesperson Lawan Shiisu Adam reported that the tragedy unfolded when the driver lost control of the vehicle.
Many local residents had gathered at the scene, attempting to collect fuel from the damaged tanker when the explosion occurred.
The injured individuals were promptly transported to local hospitals in Ringim and Hadejia for treatment.
In response to the scale of the tragedy, a mass burial for the deceased is scheduled to take place later in the day.
Nigeria’s road safety issues are compounded by poorly maintained infrastructure, often leading to tragic accidents that result in numerous casualties each year.
Just last month, a similar incident claimed the lives of 48 people in north-central Nigeria when a fuel tanker exploded after colliding with another truck carrying passengers and livestock, igniting a fire that affected several vehicles.