Tanker Explosion in Nigeria Kills 86 Amid Economic Crisis

A petrol tanker explosion in Niger state, Nigeria, has resulted in the deaths of 86 people, most of whom were local residents who rushed to collect the spilled fuel. The tragic incident occurred when the truck, carrying 60,000 liters of petrol, overturned and exploded at the Dikko junction, a key road linking Abuja to Kaduna. The explosion, which happened on Saturday, 18^th January 2025 also left 52 people with severe burns.

The death toll was revised from 70 to 86 after emergency teams, struggling with limited resources, manually buried the bodies over a 14-hour period. Despite efforts to prevent people from scooping the fuel, a large crowd gathered at the site of the crash.

This accident is one in a series of fuel-related tragedies in Nigeria, where the cost of living has surged. Since President Bola Tinubu removed long-standing fuel subsidies in May 2023, the price of petrol has risen by over 400%. The incident underscores the economic hardship faced by many Nigerians, leading to protests and an increase in such dangerous practices. President Tinubu has ordered a national campaign to raise awareness about the risks of collecting fuel from fallen tankers. Similar accidents in recent months, including one in Jigawa state that killed 147 people in October, highlight the ongoing safety and economic challenges in the country.