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Updated 03:59 IST, January 19th 2025

Deadly Explosion In Nigeria: Gasoline Tanker Blast Kills At Least 70

A massive explosion in north-central Nigeria has killed at least 70 people

Reported by: Digital Desk
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Deadly Explosion In Nigeria: Gasoline Tanker Blast Kills At Least 70
Deadly Explosion In Nigeria: Gasoline Tanker Blast Kills At Least 70 | Image: Republic

Abuja: A massive explosion in north-central Nigeria has killed at least 70 people, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The blast occurred in the early hours of Saturday near Suleja, a town in Niger state after a few individuals were trying to transfer gasoline from one tanker to another using a generator.

As per reports, the fuel transfer triggered the explosion, killing those who were attempting to transfer the gasoline as well as several bystanders. Hussaini Isah, a representative from NEMA, confirmed the tragic incident and said that search and rescue operations are currently underway.

A local representative reportedly stated that the explosion is another tragic reminder of the dangers of transporting fuel in Nigeria, where the lack of an efficient railway system for cargo transport leads to frequent and often deadly accidents on major roads.

Notably, this is not the first such incident in Niger state. In September 2024, another gasoline tanker explosion killed at least 48 people after a tanker collided with a truck carrying cattle. The risk of gasoline tanker accidents is high in Nigeria, with 1,531 tanker crashes recorded in 2020 alone, resulting in 535 deaths and 1,142 injuries, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps.

The local authorities have called for better safety measures and infrastructure improvements to prevent further disasters like this one.

Published 23:59 IST, January 18th 2025