Mon Sep 09 14:15:16 UTC 2024: ## Fuel Tanker Explosion in Nigeria Kills at Least 59
**MINNA, NIGERIA** – A fuel tanker explosion in northern Nigeria has claimed the lives of at least 59 people, according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). The incident occurred early Sunday morning when the tanker collided with a truck carrying passengers and cattle in the Agaie local government district.
Graphic images released by SEMA show the charred remains of victims and the burned-out shells of the vehicles, one still smoldering. The agency stated that more victims were discovered in the wreckage, leading to the increase in the death toll from 52 to 59.
The explosion, which also claimed the lives of over 50 cattle, occurred after the fuel tanker collided with the passenger truck and two other vehicles: a crane and a pickup truck.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed his condolences for the “colossal loss,” while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s office called for increased safety measures on Nigerian roads.
The incident highlights the ongoing problem of fuel tanker explosions in Nigeria, often attributed to poorly maintained roads and fuel siphoning after accidents. The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) reported over 5,000 road accident deaths in 2023, while the World Health Organization estimates that the actual number could be close to 40,000 annually.
This tragedy comes amidst a fuel crisis in Nigeria, with the National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL) struggling with supplier debts and recent price increases adding to the financial pressure on Nigerians.
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