Gasoline tanker explosion killed scores in central Nigeria

By Anjali Sharma

WASHINGTON Mohammed Bago, the Niger Governor on Sunday issued a statement stated that many residents in the Dikko area of the state were caught in a heavy fire while trying to scoop fuel from the gasoline tanker.

The official said that scores of people were believed to have died and many others sustained injuries early Saturday after a tanker laden with gasoline exploded when it overturned, spilling its content on a busy road in Nigeria’s north-central state of Niger.

“Scores were said to have been burned to death,” Bago said.

He noted those who were not so close to the tanker escaped with injuries. He described the incident as “worrisome, heartbreaking, and unfortunate”.

News media reported that at least 30 people died in the incident, which cited local sources.

The state government of Niger has called on local humanitarian agencies to rise to the challenge and restore normalcy in the area.

Gasoline tanker explosions are not uncommon in Nigeria, often caused heavy casualties and nationwide grief.

In September, 48 people were killed after a gasoline-laden tanker exploded on a busy highway in Niger.

Nigerians continue to attribute the incessant incidents to the current economic hardship, which has driven people to desperate actions, including scooping gasoline from fallen tankers, others are calling for stricter traffic regulations to prevent similar disasters.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to swiftly reviewing and enhancing fuel transportation safety protocols and directed police to strengthen measures, such as increased patrols, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and other highway safety mechanisms, to prevent similar incidents from reoccurring.

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