Tragedy struck in northwestern Nigeria as more than 150 people, including children, lost their lives in a horrific accident involving an overturned fuel tanker that exploded on an expressway in Jigawa State. The incident, which occurred at midnight on Tuesday in Majiya town, left dozens of others wounded as residents rushed to the scene to collect fuel from the vehicle.
According to police spokesman Lawan Shiisu Adam, deadly tanker accidents are unfortunately common in Nigeria, a country that lacks an efficient railway system for cargo transportation. With soaring fuel prices that have tripled since the government ended gas subsidies last year, people often resort to salvaging fuel with cups and buckets, risking their lives in the process.
The driver of the tanker lost control of the vehicle on the highway, leading to the massive inferno that claimed the lives of many innocent victims. Emergency services reported that most of the bodies were unrecognizable, with Dr. Haruna Mairiga, head of the Jigawa emergency services, stating that most of the victims were burned to ashes at the scene.
As mass burials were held to lay the victims to rest, the tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by fuel tanker accidents in Nigeria. In 2020 alone, more than 1,500 accidents involving fuel tankers were recorded, resulting in 535 deaths, according to Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent such devastating incidents from reoccurring.
The latest accident, which claimed the lives of over 150 individuals, has once again raised questions about the implementation of safety measures and traffic regulations in the country. With lives lost and families shattered, it is imperative that authorities take decisive action to prevent such tragedies in the future and ensure the safety of all road users.
As the nation mourns the loss of those who perished in this tragic accident, it is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of prioritizing safety on the roads. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time.