Tragedy struck in northwestern Nigeria as over 100 people lost their lives and 50 others sustained injuries in a devastating fuel tanker explosion. The incident occurred in Jigawa state's Majiya town when an overturned petrol tanker ignited into flames, claiming the lives of 97 individuals at the scene, with an additional eight succumbing to their injuries at the hospital.
According to local authorities, the accident transpired after the tanker driver lost control of the vehicle while traveling on a highway, resulting in a massive inferno that engulfed the area. The driver had covered a distance of approximately 110 kilometers from the neighboring Kano state before the tragic incident unfolded.
Deadly tanker accidents are unfortunately common in Nigeria, attributed to lax enforcement of traffic regulations and the absence of efficient transportation alternatives like a reliable railway system. The practice of salvaging fuel from such accidents has become prevalent, exacerbated by the significant rise in fuel prices following the discontinuation of gas subsidies.
Residents of Majiya town were plunged into mourning as emergency services struggled to contain the aftermath of the explosion. The scene was described as chaotic, with videos showing a massive fire consuming the area and bodies scattered amidst the devastation.
Witnesses recounted harrowing experiences of individuals running in all directions, desperately seeking help as the flames spread rapidly. The emergency response was delayed, leading to the tragic loss of lives as those caught in the fire were burned beyond recognition.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this catastrophic event, state officials and residents alike are left reeling from the heartbreaking loss of so many lives in a single incident. The mass burial for the victims served as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for enhanced safety measures to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
