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CatastropheNigeria

Nigeria: Dozens killed in fuel tanker collision

September 8, 2024

A fuel tanker collided with a truck in the central Nigerian state of Niger, killing at least 48 people. At least 50 cattle that were on the truck were burned alive.

https://p.dw.com/p/4kPcn
Burnt truck at scene of accident in Niger State, Nigeria
A fuel tanker hit a van head-on in Nigeria's Niger State, causing an explosion that killed dozensImage: Niger State Gov/dpa/picture alliance

At least 48 people were killed on Sunday in a collision between a fuel tanker and another truck in central Nigeria, the country's emergency response agency said.

The crash occurred in the Agaie area of the state of Niger.

What else do we know about the crash?

The victims were burnt beyond recognition and were given a mass burial near the site of the accident.

It was initially unclear how many people were injured.

The truck was carrying cattle, at least 50 of which were burned alive.

Abdullahi Baba-Arab, director-general of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, said that rescue operations were underway at the scene of the accident.

Nigerian media reported that the van loaded with passengers and cattle was traveling from the Wudil area in northern Kano State.

Governor urges residents to follow road traffic rules

Niger Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed his deeps sorrow over the tragedy.

He told residents of the affected area to remain calm and urged drivers to "always be cautious and abide by road traffic regulations to safeguard lives and property."

Serious road accidents are common in Nigeria.

The AP News agency cited Nigeria's Federal Road Safety Corps as saying that there were 1,531 gasoline tanker crashes in 2020 alone.

sdi/wd (AP, dpa)