Nigeria: Oil tanker explodes, approximately 30 dead

Dozens of Nigerians have been either killed or injured following an oil tanker explosion, according to BBC News on 22nd October.

The accident unfolded in Nigeria’s Katcha Local Government Area of the central state, Niger, near the Essan and Badeggi communities.

Reportedly, the vehicle drifted while driving along the Bida-Agaie road, leading to a crash and oil spillage. Locals proceeded to rush towards the vehicle in hopes of collecting oil from it, but the tanker exploded and set off a fire that engulfed locals.

The accident that caused the vehicle to drift is suspected to be related to poor road conditions.

Approximately 30 people are reported to be dead, with another 40 individuals sustaining injuries to varying degrees of severity. Of those killed, many have been burned beyond recognition. There have been differing reports on the exact number of deaths; however, Reuters claims at least 35 dead, while Le Monde via AFP reported there to be 29 dead.

The Governor of the State for Niger, Mohammed Umaru Bago, commented on the catastrophe, sending his condolences to the people and describing it as “worrisome, unfortunate and pathetic”.

Meanwhile, his chief press secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, reportedly found it discouraging how locals approached an overturned tanker to collect oil from it in spite of the country making prior awareness campaigns relating to the dangers of this.

Fuel tanker explosions are reported to be a common occurrence across the West African country; over 60 people were killed in a similar explosion earlier this year.

Furthermore, the country also faced other oil-related crises with militants vandalising oil pipelines in Rivers state, leading to the President declaring a state of emergency.

Other incidents, such as roadside bombs have also posed great threat to local Nigerians earlier in the year.

As such, the Nigerian government faces major challenges in preventing such disasters, including improving road conditions, educating civilians on the dangers of collecting spilled fuel, and ensuring tanker safety.

BBC, Maghrebi.org, Reuters, Le Monde via AFP