Fuel Tanker Explosion in Nigeria Claims 70 Lives
Tragedy Strikes in Central Nigeria
A devastating fuel tanker explosion in central Nigeria has claimed the lives of 70 people who had rushed to the scene to collect fuel, whose price has skyrocketed during the economic crisis. The incident occurred on Saturday when a truck carrying 60,000 liters of gasoline flipped over at the Dikko junction on the road linking the federal capital Abuja to the northern city of Kaduna.
Death Toll Rises
According to Kumar Tsukwam, the head of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Niger State, the death toll stands at 70 so far. Tsukwam said that most of the victims were burnt beyond recognition and that the FRSC is at the scene to clear things up.
Crowd of People Gathered to Scoop Fuel
An FSRC statement revealed that a large crowd of people gathered to scoop the fuel when suddenly the tanker burst into flames, engulfing another tanker. So far, 60 corpses have been recovered from the scene, with the victims mostly being scavengers.
Governor’s Statement
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago said in a separate statement that an undisclosed number of people had also experienced various degrees of burns. Bago described the explosion as "worrisome, heartbreaking and unfortunate" and urged people to always be responsible and give priority to their safety.
Fuel Price Hike
The price of gasoline has increased fivefold in 18 months, leading many to risk their lives to recover fuel during tanker truck accidents, which are common in Africa’s most populous country. Last year, President Bola Tinubu abolished a fuel subsidy, which sent prices of essentials and other goods soaring, triggering protests.
Economic Crisis
Inflation has been running at over 30 percent for the past year, and a report late last year jointly written by Nigerian authorities, the United Nations, and NGOs said that more than 33 million of Nigeria’s roughly 230 million people would go hungry in 2025.
Previous Incidents
In October, more than 170 people died in a similar incident in Jigawa State, in northern Nigeria. In 2020, the FRSC listed 1,531 fuel tanker accidents, which claimed over 535 lives.
Conclusion
The fuel tanker explosion in Nigeria is a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of the economic crisis and the lack of safety measures in place to prevent such incidents. The government and authorities must take immediate action to address the root causes of the crisis and ensure the safety of its citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the cause of the fuel tanker explosion?
A: The cause of the explosion is still unknown, but it is believed to have been triggered by the truck flipping over.
Q: How many people were killed in the explosion?
A: The death toll stands at 70 so far.
Q: What was the condition of the victims?
A: Most of the victims were burnt beyond recognition.
Q: What is the current state of the economy in Nigeria?
A: The economy is experiencing a severe crisis, with inflation running at over 30 percent and the price of gasoline increasing fivefold in 18 months.