A fuel tanker explosion in northern Nigeria has tragically killed at least 153 people. This disaster happened when many people rushed to the scene in Majia on Wednesday night to collect leaking petrol after the tanker overturned.
The police had set up a cordon around the crashed tanker to keep people away, but they couldn’t stop the crowd from gathering, leading to the deadly fire.
The incident occurred late Tuesday night when the tanker, traveling from Kano to Nguru in Yobe state, lost control.
Although the driver survived the crash, he has been taken into custody for questioning. Many of the injured have been taken to hospitals, with several in critical condition.
Police spokesman Lawal Shiisu Adam explained that they did their best to prevent people from approaching the tanker.
However, when the crowd started scooping fuel, a fire suddenly broke out. Some victims were burned beyond recognition, and their bodies have been temporarily covered with branches to shield them from view.
Rescue workers are still recovering bodies, some of which were found far from the accident site, suggesting that those individuals were trying to escape and seek help.
Many of the deceased have been buried in a mass ceremony.
This tragic event highlights the dangers of fuel tanker accidents in Nigeria, which are common due to poor road conditions and poorly maintained vehicles.
On the same day, another tanker overturned in Ogun state, causing damage but thankfully no injuries. In a similar incident last month, 59 people lost their lives when a fuel tanker collided with a lorry carrying passengers and cattle .
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gl5zye65ro