Nigeria: Gasoline tanker explosion in Nigeria claims more than 90 lives and over 50 hospitalised

PTC News Desk: In Nigeria, a devastating accident occurred on a busy highway in Niger state, resulting in the deaths of more than 90 people after a gasoline-laden tanker exploded. The tragic incident took place on the Bida-Agaie-Lapai highway, following a catastrophic head-on collision between the fuel tanker and a truck carrying cattle. The collision triggered a massive explosion that engulfed the vehicles involved.

The explosion was so intense that two additional vehicles were caught in the resulting inferno, further raising the death toll to at least 90 individuals. The State Emergency Management Agency confirmed the grim details, stating that a search and recovery operation is underway to locate the bodies of more victims who are feared to be trapped in the vehicles destroyed by the explosion.

Authorities have deployed additional security forces to the area, and heightened security measures are expected to remain in place over the coming hours to manage the aftermath. Ground travel in the vicinity is likely to be delayed as officials work to clear the site and ensure the safety of the region.

Majiya, where the accident occurred, is located approximately 117 kilometers (73 miles) northeast of Dutse. This tragedy adds to the growing concern over road safety in the country, particularly involving fuel-laden vehicles on major highways.

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