A fuel tanker exploded overnight in northern Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of at least 147 people who rushed to the scene to collect leaking petrol, according to officials.
The fire consumed the overturned tanker, which had been secured by officers after the crash, as reported by the police to the BBC.
Approximately 100 others were injured in the explosion and have been transported to hospitals in the nearby town of Ringim in Jigawa State, with many in critical condition.
Officers had warned people to stay away from the tanker after the accident late Tuesday night, but they were unable to control the swelling crowd, said police spokesman Lawal Shiisu Adam.
“We tried our best to prevent people from approaching the vehicle to gather petrol, but despite cordoning off the area, we were overwhelmed, and as people began scooping fuel, a fire broke out,” he explained.
The crash occurred around 11:30 PM local time (10:30 PM GMT) in the town of Majia, Jigawa State, when the tanker, en route from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State, lost control.
The driver, who was uninjured, has been taken into custody while police investigate the incident. Disturbing footage has circulated on social media showing the aftermath of the fire.
“Fire service and other emergency units rushed to the scene to assist following the incident,” Mr. Adam stated. Many victims were burned beyond recognition, and the recovered bodies were covered with tree branches to shield them from view.
Rescue workers have been discovering additional bodies, some found far from the accident site, likely from individuals attempting to seek help before succumbing to their injuries, according to a police spokesman. Most of the deceased have been laid to rest in a mass burial.
Fuel tanker explosions and accidents are common in Nigeria, often attributed to poor road conditions and poorly maintained vehicles.
As cleanup efforts were underway in Jigawa, another fuel tanker accident occurred in southwestern Ogun State in the town of Ibafo on Wednesday morning.
This tanker overturned on a major road in front of a commercial bank, spilling petrol before igniting.
The fire caused significant damage to the area, affecting other trucks, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. The estimated damage is in the thousands of dollars.
In September, 59 people died in Niger State after a fuel tanker collided with a lorry carrying passengers and cattle.
