A petrol tanker explosion in Majiya, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa state, Nigeria, has resulted in the deaths of no fewer than 90 people, with around 50 others hospitalized due to various injuries from the blast. The incident occurred on Tuesday night around 11:30 p.m. when the tanker driver lost control near Khadija University, leading to the explosion. The tanker was traveling from Kano to Nguru in Yobe state at the time of the accident.
Police spokesman Shi’isu Adam confirmed the death toll during an interview on Wednesday. He stated, “About 94 individuals perished, many of whom were burnt beyond recognition, and 50 others have been evacuated for treatment at Ringim General Hospital.”
Adam expressed concern over the behavior of locals who rushed to the scene to collect the spilling fuel, despite police warnings to stay clear of accidents involving fuel tankers. He noted, “We are worried that, in spite of police warnings for people to stay clear from scenes of accidents involving fuel tankers, they still engage in such acts. People gathered around the accident scene; that is the reason for the mass casualty.”
Fuel tanker explosions are a common occurrence in Nigeria; just last month, a collision between a fuel tanker and a truck carrying passengers and cattle in Niger state resulted in 59 deaths.