Media Wire Express Correspondent
Nigeria, has claimed the lives of at least 48 people after a fuel tanker collided with another vehicle and exploded.
The tanker, loaded with petrol, collided with a truck carrying cattle and passengers in the Agaie district, resulting in a massive fire that engulfed both vehicles and others nearby. Over 50 cattle were also killed in the inferno.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) is conducting search and rescue operations, with hopes of finding survivors diminishing as time passes. Abdullahi Baba Arah, the director of NSEMA, confirmed that emergency teams are on the ground to recover bodies and assess the damage. “Many of the victims were burned beyond recognition,” he reported, adding that several vehicles were also caught in the explosion.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed his condolences to the families affected by this tragedy. In a public statement, he urged drivers to be more cautious on the roads, highlighting the importance of following safety regulations to prevent such catastrophic events.
This incident is the latest in a series of fuel tanker-related accidents that have plagued Nigeria’s highways. In 2020 alone, the country recorded over 1,500 such accidents, resulting in more than 500 deaths. These incidents are often exacerbated by poor road conditions, lax safety standards, and heavy traffic involving petroleum transportation.
Read More; Government Acknowledges Role of NGOs,
The Nigerian government, through the National Petroleum Corporation, recently increased fuel prices by 39%, the second price hike in over a year. Despite the price increases, fuel shortages persist, causing long queues and further frustrations for Nigerians. While the current scarcity was not directly linked to this accident, it highlights the broader challenges facing the country’s energy sector.
Investigations into the exact cause of the collision are ongoing. Authorities are also exploring measures to improve road safety and prevent future incidents involving hazardous materials. Further updates are expected as search and rescue efforts continue and more details emerge.
