At Least 70 Dead in Petrol Tanker Explosion in Northern Nigeria

Niger, The Gulf Observer: At least 70 people have been confirmed dead and many more injured following a devastating explosion in Niger state, northern Nigeria, after a petrol tanker truck overturned and spilled fuel. The incident occurred on Saturday, with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) reporting the tragic outcome.
Kumar Tsukwam, the FRSC sector commander for Niger state, stated that the majority of the victims were local residents who, despite warnings, rushed to the scene to scoop up the spilled petrol. “A large crowd of people gathered to scoop fuel despite concerted efforts to stop them,” Tsukwam said. “Suddenly, the tanker burst into flames, engulfing another tanker. So far, 60 corpses have been recovered from the scene.”
Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire, but the explosion caused widespread devastation. This incident follows a similar tragedy in Jigawa state in October 2023, where 147 people lost their lives in a similar petrol tanker explosion, one of the worst tragedies of its kind in Africa’s most populous nation.
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, but such accidents have become all too common in Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer. The country has been grappling with an unprecedented cost of living crisis, exacerbated by a surge in petrol prices. Since President Bola Tinubu removed a long-standing fuel subsidy in May 2023, petrol prices have skyrocketed by more than 400%.
In response to the disaster, Bologi Ibrahim, spokesperson for Niger state’s governor, urged local residents to prioritize their safety when dealing with petrol tanker accidents. “Residents must exercise caution and avoid engaging with petrol tanker trucks in distress to prevent further loss of life,” Ibrahim said.
This tragic accident highlights the need for improved safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future and underscores the growing risks associated with fuel-related accidents in the country.