Tragedy struck in north-central Nigeria as the death toll from a gasoline tanker explosion near the Suleja area of Niger state has risen to 86, according to the country's emergency response agency. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday when individuals were attempting to transfer gasoline from a crashed oil tanker to another truck using a generator.
The fuel transfer operation went awry, triggering a massive explosion that resulted in the deaths of those involved in the transfer process as well as bystanders. In addition to the fatalities, 55 people sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment at three hospitals in the Suleja area.
Officials have expressed concerns that the actual death toll could be higher than reported, as some victims were burnt beyond recognition, making it challenging to ascertain the exact number of casualties without forensic analysis.
The tragic incident was exacerbated by the presence of a crowd at the scene, which included onlookers, individuals taking photographs, and others attempting to collect spilled gasoline from the tanker. This practice of scooping gasoline from fallen tankers is not uncommon in Nigeria, with some individuals viewing it as an opportunity to obtain free fuel for personal use or resale.
The surge in gasoline prices in Nigeria, following the removal of subsidies on the product over a year ago, has led to increased hardships for many citizens. The government's decision to redirect resources from fuel subsidies to other developmental initiatives has had unintended consequences, contributing to the challenging economic conditions faced by the population.
The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with handling flammable materials and the importance of adhering to safety protocols to prevent such catastrophic events in the future.
