Nigeria fuel tanker explosion kills at least 48
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A catastrophic fuel tanker explosion in north-central Nigeria's Niger, killing dozens of people.
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Tuktuk drivers queue to buy fuel at a petrol station in Lagos, Nigeria, Wednesday, July. 31, 2024 (AP)
At least 48 people lost their lives on Sunday after a fuel tanker truck exploded following a collision with another vehicle in north-central Nigeria's Niger state, a region known for its challenging road conditions and frequent accidents.
The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed the incident, stating that the fuel tanker collided with a truck carrying both travelers and cattle. Several other vehicles were also involved in the accident.
Hussaini Ibrahim, a spokesperson for SEMA, reported that the death toll had risen to 48, though the actual number may increase as rescue efforts continue. "Officials are still trying to clear the scene," Ibrahim said.
The explosion is one of the deadliest road accidents in the region in recent years. Fuel tanker accidents are tragically common in Nigeria, where poorly maintained roads and vehicles often contribute to such disasters.
The tragedy also comes amid ongoing fuel shortages in Nigeria. Last week, Nigeria's state-owned oil company, NNPC Ltd, raised gasoline prices by at least 39%—the second significant hike in just over a year. Despite the increase, shortages have persisted, forcing motorists to endure long queues at fuel stations across the country's major cities and towns.
