
A devastating gasoline tanker explosion in Nigeria’s Niger State claims 86 lives, injuring 55 others in a tragic incident linked to fuel scarcity.
Quick Takes
- Gasoline tanker explosion in Niger State, Nigeria kills 86 and injures 55
- Accident caused by attempt to siphon fuel using a generator
- Incident highlights risks associated with rising fuel costs following subsidy cuts
- Similar incidents have resulted in over 265 deaths in the past five months
- President Tinubu calls for national awareness campaign on dangers of collecting fuel from fallen tankers
Tragic Explosion Claims Dozens of Lives
In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded in the Suleja area of Niger state, north-central Nigeria, a gasoline tanker explosion has claimed the lives of 86 individuals and left 55 others injured. The catastrophe occurred when an attempt to siphon gasoline from a crashed tanker using a generator sparked a lethal explosion. The blast not only claimed the lives of those directly involved in the fuel transfer but also numerous bystanders who had gathered at the scene, drawn by the opportunity to collect spilled fuel.
The tanker, carrying a substantial load of 60,000 liters of gasoline, overturned at Dikko Junction on a road connecting Abuja to Kaduna. Initial reports from rescuers indicated 70 fatalities, with bodies being manually buried due to the absence of excavators. However, as recovery efforts continued, the death toll rose to 86, with fears that the actual number might be even higher.
Economic Reforms and Fuel Scarcity
The tragedy sheds light on the profound risks associated with escalating fuel costs in Nigeria. Following economic reforms implemented by President Bola Tinubu, including the abolition of fuel subsidies and the removal of currency controls, Nigeria has experienced significant economic challenges. These policy changes have led to soaring inflation rates and substantial increases in petrol prices, pushing many citizens to desperate measures to secure fuel.
“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 incident has drawn international attention, with Türkiye extending condolences to Nigeria over the tragic event. The explosion serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with fuel scarcity and the risks people are willing to take in times of economic hardship.
The death toll from Saturday’s petrol tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Niger State, Nigeria, has risen to 86, with 55 others injured and undergoing treatment https://t.co/koI4ifYsOx pic.twitter.com/TYcddgDB0E
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) January 19, 2025
Ongoing Safety Concerns
This latest tragedy is not an isolated incident. Similar explosions have resulted in over 265 deaths in the past five months alone, highlighting a pattern of dangerous fuel-related accidents across the country. Poorly maintained roads contribute to frequent accidents involving fuel tankers, exacerbating the risks faced by both drivers and local communities.
“We buried 86 burnt corpses between 12:00 pm yesterday to 2:00 am of today,” said Ibrahim Audu Husseini, spokesman for the Niger state’s emergency management agency.
The practice of scooping gasoline from fallen tankers is alarmingly common in Nigeria, as many view it as an opportunity to obtain free fuel. This dangerous behavior, coupled with the country’s infrastructure challenges, creates a perfect storm for catastrophic events like the one in Niger State.
Nigerian gasoline tanker explosion death toll rises to 86, with 55 others injured https://t.co/VD6lILMMxy
— KUSI News (@KUSINews) January 20, 2025
Government Response and Future Measures
In response to this tragedy, President Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow and called for a national awareness campaign on the dangers of collecting fuel from fallen tankers. This initiative aims to educate the public about the risks associated with such practices and prevent future incidents.
“Tinubu expressed ‘deep sorrow over the fuel tanker explosion,’ a statement from his office said Sunday, regretting ‘the tragic and preventable nature of the incident.'”
As Nigeria grapples with the aftermath of this devastating explosion, questions arise about the effectiveness of current safety measures and the need for comprehensive reforms in fuel transportation and distribution. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need to address both the economic pressures driving citizens to such dangerous actions and the infrastructural deficiencies contributing to these tragic accidents.
Sources:
- Türkiye offers its condolences to Nigeria over fuel tanker truck blast
- At least 86 dead, 55 injured in Nigerian gasoline tanker explosion
- At least 86 dead, 55 injured in Nigerian gasoline tanker explosion – DNyuz