In a tragic incident that shook northern Nigeria a fuel tanker explosion claimed the lives of more than 140 individuals including children. The catastrophe unfolded in Majiya town Jigawa state when a gasoline truck overturned on a highway and subsequently burst into flames as locals rushed to collect the spilled fuel
The accident which took place on Oct 15 2024 (roughly a year after the government ended fuel subsidies) underscores the persistent safety challenges in Africaʼs most populous nation. Lawan Adam a police spokesperson‚ explained that the driver lost control of the vehicle leading to its overturn. Residents eager to salvage the precious commodity hurried to the scene before a “massive inferno“ engulfed the area
Dr Haruna Mairiga head of Jigawa emergency services‚ reported that most victims were “burned to ashes“ at the site. The severity of the blaze left many bodies unrecognizable necessitating a mass burial. Nura Abdullahi the regional head of the National Emergency Management Agency‚ stated: “Close to 140 people were put in a mass grave‚ apart from people buried in other places“
Eyewitness Sani Umar recounted the harrowing scene to local Channels Television: “People were running in all directions screaming for help“. The rapid spread of the fire trapped many who were unable to escape highlighting the dangers associated with such incidents
This catastrophe is not an isolated event in Nigeria. Statistics reveal that in 2020 (about four years ago) the country experienced over 1500 accidents involving fuel tankers resulting in 535 fatalities. Just last month a similar collision between a fuel tanker and another truck claimed 48 lives in north-central Nigeria
The recurring nature of these accidents has raised questions about the effectiveness of safety measures and traffic regulations in the West African nation. Timothy Iwuagwu president of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria pointed out several issues:
• Inadequate tanker design not meeting international standards
• Failure of agencies to enforce safety regulations
• Insufficient awareness campaigns
• Lack of willful compliance with safety measures during accidents
The absence of an efficient railway system for cargo transport coupled with soaring fuel prices (which have tripled since the government ended subsidies last year) has led many Nigerians to resort to salvaging fuel with cups and buckets during such accidents – a dangerous practice that continues to claim lives
As Nigeria grapples with the aftermath of this latest tragedy the incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved safety measures and infrastructure to prevent future loss of life