Fuel Tanker Crash in Nigeria Claims 153 Lives

October 17, 2024

An overturned fuel tanker exploded late Tuesday night in northern Nigeria, resulting in at least 153 fatalities. The tragic incident occurred in Jigawa state, where crowds had gathered at the crash site to collect leaking fuel despite warnings from authorities.

Emergency responders reported that approximately 100 individuals sustained injuries in the explosion, with many in critical condition. The police, overwhelmed by the gathering crowd, were unable to prevent people from approaching the tanker, which had been cordoned off following the accident.

The accident took place in the town of Majia around 11:30 PM local time. The tanker, traveling from Kano to Nguru in Yobe state, overturned after the driver lost control. Although the driver was unharmed, he has been detained for investigation.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima expressed condolences to the victims' families and called for a thorough review of fuel transportation safety protocols in Nigeria.

As rescue operations continued, emergency services found more bodies, some at a distance from the explosion site, suggesting victims had attempted to seek help before succumbing to their injuries. Most victims were buried in a mass ceremony.

Fuel tanker accidents are common in Nigeria, often due to poor road conditions and vehicle maintenance. On the same day as the Majia disaster, another tanker overturned in Ogun state, causing property damage but no injuries. Previous incidents have resulted in significant loss of life, with 59 people dying in a separate collision last month.