The loss of life toll prone to go up within the newest tanker explosion in Africa’s largest financial system amid rising gas value.
At the very least 60 folks have been killed and extra injured in a gas tanker explosion within the Dikko space of Niger State in northern Nigeria, based on native authorities.
Kumar Tsukwam, a sector commander for Niger State with the Federal Street Security Corps (FRSC), mentioned on Saturday that individuals 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 had 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 frequent
Such accidents have change into frequent in Africa’s largest oil producer, killing dozens of individuals within the nation grappling with its worst value of dwelling disaster in a technology.
The value of petrol in Nigeria has soared greater than 400 p.c 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 well gas throughout tanker truck accidents.
In October 2024, greater than 150 folks had been killed after an almost similar incident occurred within the Jigawa State additionally positioned in northern Nigeria.
About 100 different folks had been additionally injured in that incident, with a rising crowd approaching an overturned tanker to choose up gas that they may then promote within the black market. Most of the victims had been buried collectively in a big funeral organised by the authorities.
In September of the identical 12 months, one other 59 folks had been killed in Niger State after a gas 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 gas transportation security protocols. He additionally mentioned police would strengthen measures to forestall additional accidents, together with elevated patrols, stricter enforcement of security laws, and different freeway security mechanisms.
Authorities have additionally been engaged in an effort to battle the theft of oil, having improved their safety measures together with including gunboats on vital waterways.
