A tragic incident in northwestern Nigeria has left over 140 people dead after an overturned fuel tanker exploded. The explosion occurred on an expressway in Jigawa State during the night as individuals rushed to the scene to collect the spilled fuel, according to police reports. Lawan Shiisu Adam, a police spokesman, confirmed the death toll, cautioning that it may continue to rise as authorities assess the situation.
The tanker reportedly overturned while attempting to avoid a collision with a truck in the town of Majia. Following the crash, residents gathered around the tanker, eager to scoop up the fuel. This surge of people likely contributed to the high number of casualties. Adam detailed that the explosion ignited a massive fire, resulting in the immediate deaths of many individuals present at the site. This devastating event highlights the dangers associated with fuel tanker incidents and the risks involved when crowds gather in such situations.
