Nigeria Gasoline Tanker Explosion Death Toll Rises to 98
The death toll from a tragic gasoline tanker explosion in north-central Nigeria has risen to 98, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The incident occurred early Saturday near the Suleja area in Niger State, after individuals attempted to transfer fuel from a crashed oil tanker to another truck using a generator.
The transfer process triggered an explosion, killing those handling the fuel as well as bystanders and onlookers. Hussaini Isah, NEMA’s head of operations for Niger State, revealed that the toll could rise further as investigations and rescue efforts continue.
“The death toll keeps changing,” Isah told the Associated Press on Monday. He added that many victims were caught in the blast because a crowd had gathered, including people attempting to scoop gasoline and those simply taking pictures at the scene.
Fuel prices in Nigeria have surged since President Bola Tinubu’s administration removed longstanding subsidies over a year ago. While the policy aims to redirect resources toward developmental projects, it has significantly increased economic hardships, leading some citizens to resort to risky measures, such as collecting spilled fuel for personal use or resale.
Fuel scooping from fallen tankers is a common but dangerous practice in Nigeria, where many view it as an opportunity to obtain free gasoline. Tragically, incidents like these often result in catastrophic loss of life.