In a somber ceremony on Wednesday, local government officials and hundreds of mourners gathered in northern Nigeria for the mass burial of more than 140 individuals who tragically lost their lives in a horrific tanker explosion.
The devastating incident took place in the town of Majiya, Jigawa state, when a gasoline tanker overturned and ignited a massive explosion as residents attempted to collect the fuel that was leaking from the truck. The resulting blast caused significant destruction, leaving many of the victims’ bodies unrecognizable, as confirmed by emergency services. The scale of the tragedy has shocked the local community, prompting widespread expressions of grief and disbelief.
In addition to the mass burial, officials visited some of the injured survivors currently receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital. The visit underscored the ongoing support efforts for those affected by the disaster.
Tanker accidents have become alarmingly common in Nigeria, where the lack of a reliable railway system necessitates the road transport of cargo, including fuel. In light of soaring fuel prices following the government’s removal of a costly subsidy program, many individuals are willing to risk their lives to salvage fuel from overturned tankers, exacerbating the dangers associated with such incidents.
According to police spokesperson Lawan Adam, the tragic accident occurred around midnight when the driver lost control of the tanker on the highway. Local residents, drawn by the sight of the overturned vehicle, had rushed to the scene in hopes of collecting fuel before the explosion erupted.
This incident is part of a worrying trend; just last month, a similar accident claimed the lives of at least 48 people when a fuel tanker collided with another truck in north-central Nigeria.
The latest disaster has intensified scrutiny regarding the enforcement of safety regulations and traffic laws in Nigeria. As communities mourn the loss of their loved ones, the need for improved safety measures becomes increasingly urgent, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by tanker accidents across the nation.
