MASSIVE INFERNO ENGULFS RESIDENTS ATTEMPTING TO SCOOP FUEL IN NIGERIA, KILLING AT LEAST 140

Wed 16 October 2024:

A devastating fuel tanker explosion in northwestern Nigeria has left at least 140 people dead and many others injured. The tragedy occurred on an expressway in Jigawa state after a tanker overturned, spilling fuel that locals rushed to collect. As residents gathered around the site, a massive explosion engulfed the area, causing a deadly fire.

Emergency services have reported that the death toll could rise further, with 147 bodies already counted. Haruna Mairiga, head of Jigawa state Emergency Management Agency, confirmed that nearly 100 victims were “burned to ashes” on the scene. A mass funeral has been held for the victims, with concerns that more casualties could be discovered.

The tanker, traveling from Kano state, overturned while attempting to avoid a collision with another truck in the town of Majia. In the chaotic aftermath, residents rushed to gather the spilled fuel, unaware of the imminent danger. According to the police, this surge of people around the tanker likely led to the high number of fatalities.

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Witnesses and Authorities Fear Rising Casualties

Witnesses described a horrifying scene as a massive fire erupted, stretching across the area. Videos shared from the scene showed bodies scattered across the ground as the fire raged into the early hours of Wednesday. Authorities fear the death toll will increase, as many victims were critically wounded in the explosion.

Local hospitals in Ringim and Hadejia are treating at least 50 injured survivors. The Nigerian Medical Association has called on doctors to assist in handling the influx of patients, while Vice President Kashim Shettima urged a nationwide safety review. The federal government is providing resources to support victims and their families.

Subheadline 6: A Deadly Pattern: Frequent Tanker Explosions in Nigeria

The disaster follows a disturbing trend of fuel tanker accidents across Nigeria, a country where poor road conditions, reckless driving, and vehicle maintenance issues have resulted in frequent tragedies. Just last month, a similar explosion in Niger State claimed 48 lives. With fuel prices soaring due to the country’s ongoing economic crisis, residents often risk their lives to siphon fuel from accident scenes, leading to even more fatalities.

In light of Nigeria’s worst economic crisis in decades, fuel has become a highly sought-after resource. With the Nigerian National Petroleum Company recently raising petrol prices by 39 percent, incidents like this continue to expose the deadly consequences of fuel scarcity and unsafe road practices.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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