Gas Tanker Explodes in Nigeria, Killing 86, Injuring More

A devastating gasoline tanker explosion near Suleja, Nigeria, claimed 86 lives and injured 55 others, highlighting the dangerous consequences of Nigeria’s fuel crisis.

At a Glance

  • 86 people died and 55 were injured in a gasoline tanker explosion near Suleja, Nigeria
  • The explosion occurred during an attempt to transfer fuel from a crashed tanker using a generator
  • The incident is linked to Nigeria’s escalating fuel prices following subsidy removals
  • President Bola Tinubu called for a national awareness campaign on the dangers of collecting fuel from fallen tankers
  • Similar incidents have resulted in over 265 deaths in the past five months

Tragic Explosion Claims Dozens of Lives

In a heart-wrenching incident that has shocked the nation, a gasoline tanker explosion near Suleja in Nigeria’s Niger state has resulted in the deaths of 86 people and left 55 others injured. The tragedy unfolded when attempts to transfer fuel from a crashed tanker using a generator inadvertently sparked a massive explosion, engulfing both workers and bystanders who had gathered at the scene.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the fuel tanker explosion that occurred yesterday in the Gurara Local Government Area of Nigeria,” the country’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The tanker, carrying 60,000 liters of gasoline, flipped and exploded at Dikko Junction on a road linking Abuja to Kaduna. The scale of the disaster was so severe that rescuers initially reported 70 deaths, with bodies having to be buried manually due to a lack of excavators. The exact death toll may be even higher, as some victims were reportedly burned to ashes.

This tragic incident underscores the hazardous outcomes linked to Nigeria’s escalating fuel prices, a result of recent subsidy removals. The economic reforms implemented by President Bola Tinubu, including the abolition of fuel subsidies and the end of currency controls, have led to significant increases in petrol prices and high inflation. These challenging economic conditions have driven communities towards dangerous practices in their desperate quest for affordable fuel options.

The practice of scooping gasoline from fallen tankers is unfortunately common in Nigeria, as people see it as an opportunity to obtain free fuel. This dangerous behavior, coupled with poorly maintained roads contributing to frequent accidents, has created a recipe for disaster.

In response to this tragedy, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow and called for a national awareness campaign on the dangers of collecting fuel from fallen tankers. However, this incident is not isolated. Similar accidents have resulted in over 265 deaths in the past five months alone, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures and infrastructure improvements.