Jigawa Tanker Explosion: Death Toll Rises to 170

Chinomso Sunday

1 day ago

Fuel Tanker Explosion Kills 94 in Northwestern Nigeria

The Nigerian police have stated that the death toll from the Jigawa tanker explosion has risen to 170, with over 70 receiving intensive care at a hospital.

The blast tore through crowds who had hurried to gather fuel spilling from a crashed tanker in the town of Majiya in Jigawa state on Tuesday.

“At the Federal Medical Centers in Azare, Nguru, and Birnin Kudu, 70 people were receiving intensive care,” said spokesman, Deputy Superintendent of Police Lawan Shiisu Adam, in a statement with the death toll rising to 170.

Bodies of victims of the explosion of a fuel tanker that resulted in the death of almost 150 people are laid to rest in a mass grave in Majiya on October 16, 2024. – An explosion tore through crowds of people who had rushed to collect fuel spilling from a crashed tanker in northern Nigeria, killing at least 147, officials told AFP on Wednesday. The tragedy is the latest such accident at a time when petrol has become a precious commodity in the country, which is suffering its worst economic crisis in a generation. The fuel tanker veered to avoid another vehicle and crashed in the town of Majiya, Jigawa state late on Tuesday, police said. (Photo by Aminu ABUBAKAR / AFP)

He mentioned that other hospitals were attending to victims with sever injuries.

This tragic event is the most recent of its kind in Nigeria, occurring at a time when petrol has become an expensive commodity.

In September, at least 59 people died when a fuel tanker and a truck carrying passengers and cattle collided in Niger State.