A tragic accident in Nigeria has claimed the lives of over 100 people and injured at least 50 after a gasoline tanker overturned and exploded. The incident took place in Majiya town, Jigawa State, as crowds rushed to collect fuel from the wreckage after the driver lost control on a highway near a university.
Local officials reported that 97 individuals were “burned to ashes” on-site, while eight others succumbed to their injuries at the hospital, according to Dr. Haruna Mairiga from the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency.
The explosion occurred just after midnight, when a crowd gathered to scoop up the fuel. Police spokesperson Lawan Adam noted that the scene quickly turned into a deadly inferno.
Tanker accidents are unfortunately common in Nigeria, which lacks robust traffic regulations and relies heavily on highways for transportation due to insufficient rail systems. With rising fuel prices, many locals take dangerous risks to salvage fuel from accident scenes, leading to tragic outcomes like this one.
Yasin Demirci/Getty Images
The situation was exacerbated by the sheer number of people who gathered to collect fuel, turning the tanker into a deadly trap. In the aftermath, the community of Majiya is mourning the loss, holding mass burials for the victims, many of whom were unrecognizable, as reported by emergency services.
Dr. Mairiga remarked, “If they knew (about the danger), they wouldn’t have gone to fetch (the fuel).” Video footage from the scene revealed the extent of the devastation, with bodies scattered amidst a raging fire that spread rapidly.
Fawaz Oyedeji/Getty Images
This incident shines a light on the dangers of fuel siphoning in Nigeria, where economic hardships compel individuals to take significant risks. Despite government warnings regarding these hazards, such practices are widespread, particularly in poorer, rural areas.
The aftermath of this disaster raises questions about safety compliance and potential violations. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the accident and the role of the tanker driver, whose fate remains unknown.
Witness Sani Umar recounted the chaos: “The fire spread so quickly that many couldn’t escape,” as people panicked and ran for their lives. State Police Commissioner Ahmadu Abdullahi described the event as “a heartbreaking moment for us all.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.