At least 59 dead after tanker explosion in Nigeria’s Niger state

The accident, which occurred late Saturday night in the Agaie region of Niger State, has underscored the ongoing dangers of Nigeria’s poorly maintained roads and frequent traffic violations.

According to Ibrahim Husseini, spokesperson for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the death toll stands at 59, with more victims potentially being discovered as recovery efforts continue.

“The number of dead has risen to 59,” Husseini told AFP on Monday, adding, “More victims may be found as the evacuation of the accident site progresses.”

The victims were buried immediately following the accident on Sunday, in line with local customs in the predominantly Muslim northern state.

Images of charred bodies prior to burial were shared by NSEMA, capturing the grim aftermath of the tragedy.

The collision involved a tanker truck carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and a trailer loaded with passengers and livestock.

Two additional vehicles, a crane and a pickup truck, were also involved in the crash.

The impact sparked a massive fire that consumed the vehicles and killed about 50 cows that were on board one of the trucks.

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed his condolences in a statement issued on Sunday, urging road users to “always exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations to protect lives and property.”

He described the accident as a “tragic reminder of the importance of road safety.”

Road accidents are a persistent problem in Nigeria, with many attributed to poor road conditions, speeding, and non-compliance with traffic rules.

In 2023, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) reported over 5,000 road fatalities, a slight decrease from nearly 6,500 the previous year.

However, the World Health Organization estimates the annual road death toll in Nigeria to be closer to 40,000, due to unreported incidents.

Tanker accidents are not uncommon in Nigeria.

The FRSC recorded 1,531 tanker-related accidents in 2020, resulting in 535 deaths.

Niger State ranked fifth among Nigerian states most affected by road accidents in the third quarter of 2023, largely due to speeding, according to FRSC data.

Beyond the immediate human toll, such accidents also cause significant environmental damage due to fuel spills.

In addition, deadly explosions are a recurring problem near oil infrastructure in southern Nigeria, where illegal fuel siphoning is rampant.

As Africa’s leading oil producer, Nigeria continues to grapple with the twin challenges of ensuring road safety and protecting its critical oil installations from illegal activities.