A devastating fuel tanker explosion in northwestern Nigeria has claimed the lives of over 90 people and injured at least 50 more, Al Jazeera reports.
The incident occurred overnight on an expressway in Jigawa State, as residents flocked to the overturned tanker to collect spilled fuel.
The fire raged through the early hours of Wednesday, engulfing the area and leaving a trail of devastation. Police spokesman, [Name of Spokesperson], confirmed the tragic incident and attributed the cause to the crowd gathering around the tanker to collect fuel.
This latest disaster follows a similar tragedy last month in Niger State, where a fuel tanker collision resulted in the deaths of 48 people. Deadly truck accidents are a recurring problem in Nigeria, often linked to reckless driving, inadequate road infrastructure, and poorly maintained vehicles.
According to data from the Federal Road Safety Corps, a staggering 1,531 petrol tanker crashes occurred in 2020 alone, resulting in 535 fatalities and 1,142 injuries.
The tragedy comes amidst rising fuel prices in Nigeria. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) increased petrol prices by at least 39% in early September, marking the second significant hike in over a year. The rising fuel costs have sparked public outcry and economic strain on the country’s population.
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