MWE Correspondent
At least 35 people have been confirmed dead after a fuel tanker overturned and exploded in northern Niger State on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, in one of Nigeria’s deadliest transport disasters this year.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the vehicle skidded off the road and spilled petrol before erupting into flames. Aishatu Saádu, the FRSC commander in the state, said rescue teams rushed to the scene but were unable to contain the blaze before it spread to nearby shops and vehicles. Victims were later taken to hospitals in the area for treatment.
The crash happened along a busy highway that connects northern and southern Nigeria, a route heavily relied upon for the movement of fuel and other goods. Due to the country’s limited pipeline infrastructure, petroleum products are often transported by road — a practice that has frequently resulted in deadly accidents.
Eyewitnesses reported that the tanker lost control while negotiating a sharp bend. In the chaos that followed, residents rushed to collect the leaking petrol. Moments later, a huge explosion engulfed the area, killing and injuring dozens.
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Governor Umaru Bago expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, calling it “heartbreaking and avoidable.” He also warned against the dangerous practice of gathering at accident scenes to collect fuel — a pattern that has led to countless deaths in the past.
Fuel tanker explosions are tragically common across Nigeria, where pothole-ridden roads, poor vehicle maintenance, and lax safety regulations continue to endanger lives. Transport experts have repeatedly urged the government to improve road conditions and enforce stricter haulage safety measures.
“The roads have become death traps,” said local resident Musa Abubakar. “Until they are fixed and drivers are properly trained, we will keep losing people like this.”
Authorities have opened an investigation into the cause of the crash as emergency workers continue to identify victims and care for survivors suffering from severe burns.
