Fuel Tanker explosion in Northern Nigeria kills at least 70
Nigeria’s Emergency Operations Agency has reported that an explosion of a fuel tanker in the northern part of the country has left at least 70 people dead. The agency also stated that 56 others were injured and more than 15 shops were destroyed in the blast.
Hussein Isa, one of the officials from Nigeria’s Emergency Operations Agency, told the media on Sunday, January 19, that the explosion occurred during the transfer of gasoline from one tanker to another in the Solja area of Niger State. He added that most of the victims were workers involved in the fuel transfer.
This incident comes after a similar explosion in October in Jigawa State, Nigeria, which claimed the lives of at least 147 people.
The lack of an efficient railway system for transportation has made road accidents a common and deadly occurrence in this densely populated African country.
According to the Nigerian Road Safety Organization, in 2020, there were at least 1,531 tanker accidents in the country, resulting in 1,142 deaths and 535 injuries.
The frequent fuel tanker explosions and road accidents in Nigeria highlight the pressing need for improved infrastructure, safety measures, and regulations in the transportation sector. Without significant reforms, these tragic incidents are likely to continue, affecting countless lives.
The government, alongside international partners, must work towards implementing better safety protocols, public awareness campaigns, and technological advancements to prevent such disasters and reduce the toll on human lives and property.
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