The loss of life toll more likely to go up within the newest tanker explosion in Africa’s largest economic system amid rising gasoline price.
A minimum of 60 individuals have been killed and extra injured in a gasoline tanker explosion within the Dikko space of Niger State in northern Nigeria, in response to native authorities.
Kumar Tsukwam, a sector commander for Niger State with the Federal Highway Security Corps (FRSC), mentioned on Saturday that folks rushed to scoop up the spilled petrol after the truck overturned. “The tanker burst into flames, engulfing one other tanker,” he mentioned in an announcement.
“A lot of the victims have been burnt past recognition,” Tsukwam mentioned. “We’re on the scene to clear issues up,” he mentioned, including that firefighters had managed to place out the fireplace.
Mohammed Bago, the Niger governor, confirmed the incident in an announcement and mentioned that many individuals are believed to have perished in an enormous fireplace brought on by the tanker explosion.
He described the incident as “worrisome, heartbreaking, and unlucky”.
Tanker accidents widespread
Such accidents have change into widespread in Africa’s largest oil producer, killing dozens of individuals within the nation grappling with its worst price of residing disaster in a era.
The value of petrol in Nigeria has soared greater than 400 % since President Bola Tinubu scrapped a decades-old subsidy when he got here into workplace in Might 2023. This has led many to threat their lives to get better gasoline throughout tanker truck accidents.
In October 2024, greater than 150 individuals have been killed after an almost an identical incident came about within the Jigawa State additionally positioned in northern Nigeria.
About 100 different individuals have been additionally injured in that incident, with a rising crowd approaching an overturned tanker to choose up gasoline that they may then promote within the black market. Most of the victims have been buried collectively in a big funeral organised by the authorities.
In September of the identical yr, one other 59 individuals have been killed in Niger State after a gasoline tanker collided with a truck carrying passengers and cattle.
After the October incident, Nigerian President Tinubu reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to reviewing and enhancing gasoline transportation security protocols. He additionally mentioned police would strengthen measures to stop additional accidents, together with elevated patrols, stricter enforcement of security rules, and different freeway security mechanisms.
Authorities have additionally been engaged in an effort to struggle the theft of oil, having improved their safety measures together with including gunboats on necessary waterways.
