Abuja: Around 80 people have been killed in a gasoline tanker explosion in Nigeria on Saturday Nigerian President Bola Tinubu confirmed on Sunday and several others have been injured after a tanker laden with gasoline exploded when it overturned, in the country’s north-central state of Niger.
Expressing “deep sorrow” over the incident and the immense human toll in a statement, Tinubu described the explosion as “devastating,” recalling that many residents in the Dikko area of the state were caught in a heavy fire while trying to scoop fuel from the fallen gasoline tanker, agencies reported.
The Nigerian leader underscored the “tragic and preventable nature of the incident,” directed relevant authorities to provide comprehensive medical care to the injured, and instructed security and road safety authorities to implement measures to avert similar incidents.
He also advised all citizens to exercise caution and avoid approaching accident sites, especially those involving fuel-laden vehicles, as they are highly explosive.
“Additionally, the president has mandated the National Orientation Agency to initiate a nationwide educational campaign. This campaign will raise public awareness about the severe risks and environmental dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers,” the statement added.
Gasoline tanker explosions are not uncommon in Nigeria, often causing heavy casualties and nationwide grief.