Tragic Fuel Tanker Explosion Claims 147 Lives in Northern Nigeria

At least 147 people were killed and 50 others injured in a tragic fuel tanker explosion in Jigawa State, northern Nigeria. The incident occurred late Tuesday when the tanker overturned after the driver lost control, leading to a massive explosion as fuel leaked onto the road. Many victims were attempting to collect the spilled fuel when the explosion happened, highlighting the dangerous trend of residents looting fuel from overturned tankers. Police spokesman Lawan Chiisu Adam confirmed that the explosion took place in the town of Majia, approximately 100 kilometers north of Kano, Nigeria's largest city. The ongoing economic crisis in Nigeria has exacerbated the situation, with skyrocketing fuel prices prompting desperate measures from residents. The government has removed fuel subsidies, leading to a five-fold increase in prices and frequent shortages. Tanker accidents are not uncommon in Nigeria, with the Federal Road Safety Commission reporting over 1,500 accidents in 2020 alone, resulting in significant fatalities. The commission estimates that road traffic deaths in Nigeria could be as high as 40,000 annually, a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the country's poor road infrastructure and economic challenges.