A devastating fuel tanker explosion in Nigeria has killed 90 people and injured at least 50 others. The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday, October 15, on an expressway in the Taura area of Jigawa state, located in the northwestern region of the country, according to a report by Al Jazeera.
Lawan Adamu, a spokesperson for the local police, stated that the fuel tanker overturned while trying to avoid a collision with another vehicle on the expressway. The overturned tanker exploded, and as local residents rushed to collect the leaking fuel, the death toll increased significantly. The fire from the explosion continued to burn until 3:15 AM.
This is not an isolated incident in Nigeria. Just last month, in Niger state, a similar fuel tanker explosion following a collision with another truck claimed at least 48 lives.
Fuel tanker accidents are alarmingly frequent in Nigeria. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps, the country witnessed 1,531 petrol tanker accidents in 2020 alone, underscoring the persistent danger on Nigerian roads.
The recent tragedy highlights the ongoing challenges of road safety and the perilous risks faced by communities living near major highways in Nigeria.
