ABUJA — A devastating fuel tanker explosion in Nigeria’s northern Niger state has left at least 35 people dead, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). The incident occurred Tuesday when the tanker veered off the road, overturned, and spilled petrol that ignited moments later.
Aishatu Saádu, the FRSC sector commander in Niger state, confirmed that the victims were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Fuel tanker accidents are an all-too-frequent tragedy in Nigeria, where the bulk of petroleum products are transported by road due to a lack of pipeline infrastructure. The country’s deteriorating road conditions—marked by deep potholes and poor maintenance—continue to contribute to deadly crashes that claim dozens of lives each year.
