Nigeria/ Fuel Tanker Explosion Kills 153 in the North of the country
Majia, Nigeria – At least 153 people have died following a fuel tanker explosion in Majia, Jigawa state, northern Nigeria, late Tuesday night, officials confirmed.
The tragedy occurred when a fuel tanker, transporting petrol from Kano to Nguru, crashed at around 23:30 local time. Despite police efforts to cordon off the scene, a crowd gathered to collect the leaking fuel. Moments later, the tanker exploded, engulfing those nearby in flames.
Police spokesperson Lawal Shiisu Adam reported that around 100 people were injured and taken to nearby hospitals, many in critical condition.
Rescue workers are still recovering bodies, some of which were found far from the crash site, indicating that victims had attempted to flee. Many were burned beyond recognition and buried in a mass ceremony.
The tanker driver, who survived the crash, has been detained as authorities investigate the incident.
Fuel tanker accidents are frequent in Nigeria due to poor road conditions and vehicle maintenance.
In a separate incident on Wednesday morning, another tanker overturned in Ibafo, Ogun state, sparking a fire that caused significant property damage but no injuries.
This disaster follows a similar tragedy in September, when 59 people died after a fuel tanker collided with a lorry in Niger state, highlighting the ongoing dangers of fuel transportation in Nigeria.
