The death toll from a devastating gasoline tanker explosion in north-central Nigeria has climbed to 86, according to the country’s emergency response agency on Sunday.
The tragedy occurred in the early hours of Saturday near the Suleja area of Niger State when individuals attempted to transfer fuel from a crashed oil tanker to another truck using a generator. The generator’s spark triggered a massive explosion, killing those involved in the transfer and nearby bystanders.
Hussaini Isah of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) told the Associated Press that 55 people were also injured in the blast and are receiving treatment at three hospitals in Suleja.
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“There were people burned beyond recognition. Without forensic analysis, we can’t confirm the exact death toll, but it’s likely higher than 86,” Isah said.
The high death toll is attributed to the large crowd that had gathered at the crash site. Onlookers taking pictures, bystanders, and others attempting to scoop gasoline from the fallen tanker were caught in the explosion.
Gasoline scavenging is a common but dangerous practice in Nigeria, where some view it as an opportunity to collect free fuel for personal use or resale.
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The explosion highlights the harsh economic realities faced by many Nigerians. Gasoline prices have soared since President Bola Tinubu’s administration removed fuel subsidies over a year ago, a decision intended to redirect funds toward development projects. However, the policy has led to significant hardship for the population, with many struggling to afford basic commodities.
Tragically, the economic desperation that drives people to scavenge fuel has once again resulted in a catastrophic loss of life.
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