At least 153 people died in Majia, northern Nigeria, after a fuel tanker overturned and exploded late Tuesday night. Despite police efforts to cordon off the area, a crowd gathered to collect leaking petrol before the fire erupted, according to police spokesman Lawal Shiisu Adam.
Around 100 others were injured, many critically, and are receiving treatment in nearby hospitals.
The tanker, en route from Kano to Nguru, crashed at 23:30 local time. The driver, who survived and is now in police custody, will assist in the investigation.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima expressed condolences to the victims’ families and called for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols.
Mass burials have been conducted for many victims, with rescue workers recovering additional bodies, some found far from the accident site. Fuel tanker accidents remain common in Nigeria, often linked to poor road conditions and vehicle maintenance.
