Fuel tanker explosion in Nigeria kills at least 31
Authorities have launched an investigation to identify the truck’s driver and owner, as well as the cause of the crash
A gasoline tanker exploded on Tuesday in north‑central Nigeria, killing at least 31 people, police said.
The incident occurred in the Bida area of Niger State after the tanker overturned. As residents gathered to collect the leaking fuel, the vehicle exploded, police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said. Seventeen others were injured and taken to local hospitals for treatment.
In recent years, Niger State has seen a rising number of accidents involving heavy trucks. Experts cite deteriorating roads and the absence of rail infrastructure as key factors. The state serves as a vital corridor for transporting goods between Nigeria's northern and southern regions.
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Authorities have launched an investigation to identify the truck's driver and owner, as well as the cause of the crash.
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago expressed grief over the tragedy and condemned the dangerous practice of collecting spilled fuel from crash sites. "This is yet another devastating and heartbreaking incident for our people and the state," he said.
A similar disaster occurred in January, when at least 98 people died in Niger State while attempting to siphon gasoline from a wrecked tanker using a generator.
Fuel scavenging has become increasingly common in Nigeria due to soaring prices after the government scrapped fuel subsidies under President Bola Tinubu.
