In a devastating incident in northwestern Nigeria, mass funerals are being held for over 150 victims who lost their lives in a tragic fuel tanker explosion. The disaster occurred as many individuals attempted to collect petrol that had spilled onto the road.
As reported from Abuja, the death toll has reached 157, with health workers in Jigawa State indicating that more than 100 others are currently receiving treatment for severe burns and injuries. There are concerns that the death toll may continue to rise as the condition of some victims deteriorates.
According to police spokesman Lawan Shiisu Adam, the fuel tanker was en route from the historic city of Kano to Yobe State when the driver lost control near Majiya, approximately 530 kilometers (330 miles) north of Abuja. This resulted in the tanker overturning and spilling fuel, leading to the subsequent explosion.
On Wednesday, the largest funeral took place, with over 100 victims buried. Idris noted that not all those killed were part of the crowd trying to collect the spilled fuel. He described the situation as a tragic story that has shocked many, although it is not entirely surprising given the rising poverty levels, fuel shortages, and increasing petrol prices forcing individuals into desperate actions.
Witness Adamu Abdullahi, 37, narrowly escaped the explosion. He recounted, “I was there when the whole thing happened. I scooped up the oil and went home to drop it. When I returned, I heard the loud explosion.”
Haruna Mairiga, the executive secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency, explained that many victims were caught in the fire while attempting to collect the fuel. “In the process of taking [the fuel], there was a flash of light, and the place caught fire,” he said.
Truck accidents are common on Nigeria’s major roads, exacerbated by a lack of an efficient railway system for cargo transport. The Federal Road Safety Corps reported 1,531 petrol tanker crashes in 2020, resulting in 535 deaths and 1,142 injuries.
Idris highlighted the poor state of Nigeria's road infrastructure, which is riddled with potholes and craters, making it difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. He pointed out that investigations into the latest disaster are underway, but authorities have repeatedly failed to address road infrastructure issues.
Timothy Iwuagwu, president of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria, criticized the design of many tankers, which do not adhere to international safety standards to prevent spills during accidents. He also emphasized the lack of enforcement of safety regulations and awareness campaigns, which leaves people non-compliant with safety measures during such incidents.
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