The explosion occurred when locals were attempting to collect spilled fuel
At least 86 people have died following a petrol tanker explosion in Niger state, Nigeria, officials confirmed on Sunday.
The tragedy occurred early on Saturday, when locals rushed to gather fuel from a tanker carrying 60,000 liters (around 16,000 gallons) of gasoline, which had overturned near the town of Suleja.
Hussaini Isah from the National Emergency Management Agency told the Associated Press that 55 individuals had sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at three hospitals in the Suleja region. He suggested the death toll could exceed the reported 86 fatalities, stating, “There were people burnt to ashes. We won’t know the exact figure without forensics.”
Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the director general of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, stated on Sunday that the agency, in collaboration with Gurara Local Government Area authorities and volunteers, had carried out a mass burial between 5pm and midnight.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, through his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to the families of the deceased. He directed agencies to ensure proper medical care for the injured, and tasked security and road safety officials with implementing measures to avoid similar incidents. Tinubu also instructed the National Orientation Agency to launch a nationwide campaign highlighting the dangers of scooping fuel from overturned tankers.
Former president Muhammadu Buhari also extended his sympathies.
Since taking office in 2023, Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the removal of a fuel subsidy, have led to a rise in fuel prices of more than 400% over 18 months, significantly increasing food and transport costs. This economic strain has prompted some Nigerians to take dangerous measures, such as collecting fuel from accident sites.
Nigeria has witnessed several deadly fuel-related incidents recently. Two weeks ago, a tanker explosion in Delta State claimed at least five lives, while a similar accident in Jigawa State killed more than 170 people in October. The Federal Road Safety Corps reported 1,531 fuel tanker accidents in 2020, resulting in over 535 fatalities.
💔70 killed in tanker 💥 explosion
A terrible accident has occurred in Nigeria. Officials have said that 70 people have died in a tanker explosion. It was revealed that the explosion occurred while illegally loading fuel from one tanker to another in a crowded area. The bodies… pic.twitter.com/jT5Vb6MIF1
