Nigeria tragedy: Tanker truck explosion kills 153

A devastating explosion occurred in northern Nigeria on Tuesday night, killing at least 153 people after a fuel tanker overturned in Majia town, Jigawa State. The accident happened as residents had gathered around the tanker trying to collect leaking fuel. Despite police attempts to move them away, a massive explosion erupted, causing a scene of devastation.

An avoidable tragedy?

Police spokesman Lawal Shiisu Adam said the accident happened at about 11:30pm local time when the truck driver lost control of the vehicle en route to Nguru, Yobe State. The truck was immediately cordoned off by police after it overturned, but this was not enough to contain the crowd, who began collecting fuel despite warnings.

"We did our best to stop people from getting close, but we were overwhelmed," the spokesman said. Local authorities had warned of the risk of explosion , but the situation quickly escalated. As people rushed to collect the fuel, a spark caused an explosion, turning the scene into a veritable inferno.

A devastating human toll

The blast left a tragic death toll of 153, with most of the victims burned beyond recognition. Rescue workers recovered bodies from some distance away from the crash, indicating that some people were trying to flee the scene before succumbing to their injuries. About 100 others were seriously injured and rushed to local hospitals, where many are in critical condition.

The bodies of the victims were buried in a mass ceremony in the region, as families mourn their loved ones and the country mourns the latest disaster.

Fuel transport safety in question

The tragic accident once again highlights the weaknesses of Nigeria's fuel transportation system, where tanker explosions are common due to poor road conditions and poor maintenance of vehicles. Last September, a similar accident in Niger State claimed the lives of 59 people.

Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and called for a complete review of safety protocols for transporting fuel across the country. Reforms are urgently needed to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

A new tragedy in the southwest

As clean-up operations continued in Majia, another tanker accident occurred in Ogun State, southwestern Nigeria. On Wednesday morning, a tanker overturned on a main road, spilling its flammable contents before catching fire. While no one was killed in the accident, it caused significant property damage.

These repeated accidents highlight the urgent need to improve road infrastructure and safety standards for fuel transport in Nigeria, a country where such tragedies are unfortunately all too common.