At least 94 killed in Nigeria after fuel tanker explosion
Fuel tanker explosion in Nigeria
A fuel tanker crashed and exploded in Jigawa state in northern Nigeria late on Tuesday after the driver lost control of the vehicle, leaving at least 94 people dead and wounding 50 others, a police spokesperson said on Wednesday (Oct 16).
The incident occurred in Majia town in the Taura local government area, about 530 kilometres (329.33 miles) north of the capital Abuja, spokesperson for Jigawa State Police Command Lawan Shiisu Adam told Reuters by telephone.
Watch |Nigeria: Fuel tanker explosion kills 48, 50 cattle burnt alive
The casualties were local residents who had gathered to collect fuel from the tanker after it crashed. The wounded were taken to local hospitals in Ringim and Hadejia towns where they were being treated, Adam said.
A mass burial for the dead will be held later in the day, he said.
Many roads in Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, are poorly maintained and riven with potholes, causing accidents that claim dozens of lives every year.
Last month, at least 48 people were killed in north-central Nigeria when a fuel tanker exploded after colliding with another truck carrying travellers and cattle, ensnaring other vehicles as well in the blaze.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WIONaudience.
