At least 94 people were killed and 50 injured in the explosion of a fuel tanker, Nigerian police confirmed on Wednesday.
The incident occurred late on Tuesday evening in the northern state of Jigawa. Many victims approached the broken tanker and tried to collect the fuel spilled on the road.
Such incidents are relatively common in Nigeria, where fuel prices are extremely high compared to average incomes, especially in poor rural areas.
Nigeria also lacks a sufficient railway system to transport goods such as crude oil.
Nigeria is trying to lower fuel prices with a new oil refinery
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“A terrifying tragedy”
Public broadcaster Radio Nigeria quoted Jigawa State Police spokesman Lawan Shi’isu Adam as saying the “terrible tragedy” occurred at about 11:30 p.m. local time.
The driver lost control of the vehicle and it overturned on the road from Kano State to Nguru town in Yobe State. Shortly after the accident, there was an explosion that caused a huge fire.
He added that locals trying to get fuel “overwhelmed” police officers trying to stop them.
Adam said that local authorities had organized a mass burial for the victims and that the local community had gathered to mourn them.
es/ab (AFP, Reuters)
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